I know this isn't a directly programming related question but I need some help in deciding which book to buy. I usually never buy books, instead I download instructional videos and ebooks from file sharing sites. But I want to buy one big fat book now that I can read on the subways to and from work.
So for MASTERING php/mysql which book has helped you the most and you would recommend above all others.
I don't know how much experience you have with PHP/MYSQL, but the two main books that I have used to master PHP are Head First: PHP/MYSQL, which uses a really interesting graphical teaching method, and Advanced PHP Programming by George Schlossnagle. Those are really the only two books you need to get up and running with PHP. Read up on all of the content that is pre-built in PHP by using PHP.net. Other than that, just code a lot. The best way to master PHP is through experience.
Head First PHP/Mysql --very good book that gets you on the right track.
PHP and MySQL Web Development 4th Edition --covers everything of php/mysql that a beginner needs to know. EDIT: This book is better off as a reference then a "learning" book because it covers a lot but not in depth.
AFTER you have learned all of procedural PHP, consider moving to a framework.