Hey,

I have been out of the loop for a while. Last book I read cover to cover was sitepoint build your own asp.net site (the 1.1 version). I really enjoyed this book, and I did read some pro asp.net 2.0 in c#.

I am looking for a book that would be a good starter, geared towards a intermediate / skilled beginner. Would prefer something that is tutorial based (build a site while going through the book).

Any recomendations would be appreciated. Thank You

Any of the Problem - Design - Solution books are great if you like tutorials.  They walk you through creating an entire web site start to finish.

http://www.amazon.com/ASP-NET-Website-Programming-Problem-Solution/dp/1861006934

If you're looking to do this with ASP.NET 2.0, this most recommended book of the style is the Problem Design Solution:

http://www.amazon.com/ASP-NET-2-0-Website-Programming-Programmer/dp/0764584642

Excellent thanks for the quick responses. I have started with the ASP.NET 2.0 book as the new 3.5 version does not come out until August. Think it would be worth my time doing this? Or is 3.5 that much different that I would be better off starting with a begining 3.5 book? 

3.5 only contains additions to 2.0.  I'd recommend learning 2.0 first but you really can't go wrong either way.

Thank you everyone, starting with 2.0 and will preorder 3.5 :) 

You might have a look at my book: Ultra-Fast ASP.NET.

My approach is mostly prescriptive, which makes it easy to put the material to use quickly on real apps.

There's a write-up and a review on Amazon, if you'd like to know more.

It would be best to start with ASP.NET 2.0 with VS 2005 right now.

C# is more common, hence its better to learn C#. However if you used to develop using VBScript, you might find the syntax of VB.NET easier to follow.

For good books you can choose from the following list:
- Wrox professional ASP.NET 2.0
- Apress - Beginning ASP.NET 2.0 in C# 2005 From Novice to Professional
- Apress - Beginning ASP.NET 2.0 Databases From Novice to Professional

I hope i helped you.

-------------------------------------