I used the Jeppesen Private Pilot Manual and Flight Maneuvers books in
conjunction with the ASA test guide. The $200 I spent for a Part 141 group
ground school course (12 students, 2 instructors) was probably some of the
*best* spent time and $$. They assigned reading prior to each class and went
over all of it with models other 3-D instructional aids in class. Each class
also started with 20 actual test questions. It was helpful to hear and discuss
questions and confusions everyone had, compare notes on our training and just
meet others (I know that's not important to everyone). Some people learn it
directly from a book with no problem; for the rest of us, the opportunity to
discuss and ask questions in conjunction with the reading helps to understand
more clearly. Practice tests are *SO* helpful--you can do them online at:
http://www.exams4pilots.org/
--Shirley