As a new mom, it was great to have a book that introduced this concept in a really concise way. Extensive background information found in some other books is interesting, but not if you're trying to fit it in during naptime! Since I read this "basics" book, I also read "Diaper Free" by Ingrid Bauer. Despite that fact that I really enjoyed "Diaper Free," I was really glad that I got this Potty Basics book first since it was so concise and told me everything I needed to know to get started.
It really does work! We started when our daughter was 3 months old, and haven't had to change a poopy diaper since. Peeing is another matter, but we're catching about half of them every day. Definitely a technique worth trying--even if you only do it "part time" for the easy catches after naps and such.