Yep I had previously read a book so dry by the "gang of four" that I could not understand why many of my peers recommended it. The headfirst book dcontains the most used patterns in such an intresting and engaging way that it is possibly the best programming book I have every read. There is one for php, mysql and html byt he same folks.

Also the "refactoring book" by kent beck is another fantastic read that will turn you from a good to a great programmer. So many folks can hack somethign together but to make it industrial strength and maintainable - that is class.