Introduction to Computing and Programming with Java:  A Multimedia Approach Review

From the Preface:
“The media computation approach used in this book starts with what students use computers for:  image manipulation, digital music, Web pages, games, and so on.  We then explain programming and computing in terms of these activities.”
“We focus on the basics for ten chapters:  three introductory, four on pictures, and three on sounds.” 

• Text uses DrJava environment for the programs (simpler than the typical IDE).
• First couple pages talk about computer science as the study of recipes/programs along with what sort of problems computer scientists study. 
• Page 5 includes a side-by-side comparison of Hello World programs in 4 different languages (Python, Java, C++, Scheme), followed by an explanation of how languages differ and how they can serve different purposes.

• Chapter 2 introduces the user to Java with variables, simple output.
• Chapter 3 introduces the user to programs and objects.  Provides a Turtle that can be programmed to move around the screen drawing pictures. 
• Chapter 4 starts modifying pictures and using loops.

• Lots of exercises and problems at the end of the chapters. 
• Not sure the text is all that interesting to read but I suspect the intriguing material makes up for any lack of interest the student might have in the reading.