I recommends Zed's to the absolute beginners. If they can handle LPTHW, they are on a good track for the future.

I strongly dislike those books. I think LPTHW is perhaps good if you already know programming. Otherwise, he's just trying to get you stuck. Not what you need when you're already barely hanging on.

I also HATE how arrogant he is on the web. I dislike him as a person and thus can't bother with his classes.

I'm sorry you strongly dislike those books. I think they're quite good. I can't imagine why you would say he is "trying to get you stuck". Do you have a specific example?

I have taught zero-experience, low-aptitude beginners for nearly two decades, and his approach is basically exactly what I do with my own students.