Mims’ book is not a reference like Art of Electronics , but it’s arguably the most effective first book for many people. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – with caveats for PDF quality

If you can find a (or better, a used physical copy or official eBook), Getting Started in Electronics remains one of the best electronics primers ever written. Its unique visual, handwritten style removes the intimidation factor, and the immediate hands-on focus teaches real intuition. Just supplement it with a modern resource for microcontrollers and safety once you finish.

: Download a sample PDF to see if the handwriting works for you. If yes, buy the official eBook or hunt for a used original—the paper version is a joy to keep on your workbench.