Hope is isnt old news for most of you but...

This is a excellent linux book (published, but the author put it online) that explains everything in an easy to understand way, going deep enough into various subjects that you're not constantly searching for more, while still not getting a Linux newbie lost in confusion.

It also has really great explanations of IP, DNS, and other networking concepts.

Great for use as a reference for us unedumacated linux users too.