I have not delved into the language yet, just read 4 sample chapters, but Kevin Yank, technical editor for Sitepoint.com recently updated a book he wrote about a year ago entitled Creating Dynamic Databases with PHP and MySql, and it is getting rave reviews in the tech press. Available exclusively from Sitepoint for about $35. Ships in the US in 1-2 days. He gives code for several common needs including a shopping cart.