Looking for recommendations for someone trying to get started with AfterEffects. Like AfterEffects for Dummies (though there's probably better books out there, which is why I'm creating the thread.0

There are handfuls of books written on the program. I haven't found a book that compares to live demonstration.

A great place to get started is at videocopilot

After Effects Basic Training (http://www.videocopilot.net/basic/)

Agreed that Video CoPilot is a great place to start. If you want more thorough training on the whole product, you might want to go to Learning @ Your Own Pace® - lynda.com (http://www.lynda.com). There are some beginning segments available for free and you can get a month subscription for US$25. I would recommend lynda.com highly.

"Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects" by Chris and Trish Meyer is an excellent book on After Effects. It helps beginners and will serve as a reference for years to come. I've read a number of software books and this one is at the top of my list. What was one book might be divided into a basic and advanced version now, but very good stuff.

I totally agree with the "watch it" rather than "read it" sentiments here. I used the Total Training materials and it went in a lot easier than the books.

Having said that, I also recommend Angie Taylor's Creative After Effects 7 (obviously it doesn't cover any of the new features in CS4, though). It is a great project based book and suitable for novices who like to get straight in there and work on real projects. Personally, I found it to be the only book that is (almost) on a par with video-based training in terms of comprehensibility, structure and pace. A few reviewers have commented on an abundance of typos but I wasn't overly aware of anything showstopping - different versions of AE? A dodgy print run sold by the discounters?
Amazon.com: Creative After Effects 7: Workflow Techniques for Animation, Visual Effects and Motion Graphics: Angie Taylor: Books (http://www.amazon.com/Creative-After-Effects-Techniques-Animation/dp/0240519922)

I also go along with the recommendation for Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects - another great source with less of an emphasis on book-length projects.
Amazon.com: Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects: Essential and Advanced Techniques, 4th Edition: Chris & Trish Meyer: Books (http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Motion-Graphics-After-Effects/dp/0240810104/ref=pd_sim_b_6)

Finally, After Effects Apprentice, also by the Meyers, seems to getting very good reviews and may be worth checking out (I haven't read the book).
Amazon.com: After Effects Apprentice, Second Edition: Chris and Trish Meyer: Books (http://www.amazon.com/After-Effects-Apprentice-Second-Chris/dp/0240811364/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232535464&sr=1-1)

"Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects" by Chris and Trish Meyer is an excellent book on After Effects.

I'll also chime in in favor of Chris & Trish's work. They're extremely well versed in AE and have gobs of experience. I remember meeting them years ago at a trade show and they helped us set up some of our demo projects at a trade show, an old MacWorld Boston I think.

At the risk of stating the obvious, some will benefit more from video tutorials whilst others do better with books. It all depends upon what kind of learner you are. You probably know which works best for you. One is not intrinsically better or worse than the other.