Hi,
Just a small tip,
If you start off on the GOF book, it starts off with the abstract
factory design pattern.
But as a beginner if you first read the abstract factory pattern, you
might be feel you are in void. Instead if you check out the facade
design pattern, then singleton, then decorator.. you will slowly learn
to appreciate the patterns and also get a good feel to think about
applications where you can use them.
The link below, has a sequence in which you can read the gof book
effectively.
http://mahemoff.com/paper/software/learningGoFPatterns/
I only wish I saw this link before I read the book.
I also hear Golub on Design Patterns is very good. I haven't checked it
out myself but pretty strong reviews.
Wish you a Happy Pattern Halo