If you’re an experienced developer/DBA coming from a background in another RDBMS or just want to improve your SQL Server knowledge, here are some SQL Server book recommendations:
- Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Internals: goes deep but does not neglect the fundamentals. It is a must read.
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Professional SQL Server 2008 Internals and Troubleshooting: similar to first book, but with a slightly more performance based focus.
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SQL Server 2008 Query Performance Tuning Distilled: great techniques for identifying and fixing poorly performing queries, from the metal to the application.
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SQL Server MVP Deep Dives: written by some of the world’s leading SQL Server experts and practitioners. [There’s a short review here. Volume 2 is due out somewhere around November 2011, I believe]
If you have more of a development focus:
- Pro SQL Server 2008 Relational Database Design and Implementation
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Expert SQL Server 2005 Development (SQL Server 2005 but still relevant for SQL Server 2008)
There are also some very good, free electronic books from Redgate:
to list a few.
Ref: Long time Oracle developer/DBA learning SQL Server – book recommendations?