Off topic C question

[Peter Hansen]

Ryan wrote:
> 
> ... I may be ready to learn a second
> language.  I am leaning towards C over C++ and Java even though I
> loose objects it will ground me firmly in functional programing.  I am
> wondering what book would be the best for a begginer?  The two I have
> seen that look interesting are
> C for Dummies (parts one and two) or
> The C Programming Language
> by Brian W. Kernighan, Dennis M. Ritchie.
> I am looking for some input from someone who knows and knows the
> problems I will face coming from a __nice__ language like python.
> Thanks (and sorry about the off topic)

Without knowing more about your goals it is difficult to provide
a useful answer (although Aahz did exactly that).

What do you want from your second language?  Do you have
specific tasks in mind?  Specific long-term goals you think
this will move you closer towards?

-Peter