I  also reccomend these volumes.  I have 3- Getting Started, Adv Vol1 and Adv Vol2.  I intend to pick up the other two.  Some of the info covers topics from the Manual (but the simple visual style makes it a little more approachable- function editor/lighting), but overall there are enough solid pieces to really accelerate your Vue learning curves.  The Author's simple humor and straigt-forward style makes the material easy and fun.