Ok here is what I consider the skinny. If you have not used Paint Shop Pro before, then this book can help you get started. It is not a tutorial type of book. It tries to explain how the tools are used and what does some of the settings do.
If you have used Paint Shop Pro before, then you may want it for a reference. I do not like the way that the authors dove away from some of the tools.
Unlike their opinion, I found some of the tools VERY useful in correcting photos and should be explained. For example, they do not explain the dodge/burn tools. I knew what these tools do but the authors attitude was you won't need them. That may be true for someone just wanting to use the program for quick corrections but it is used alot in retouching.
Overall, the authors did explain why some of the tools behavior which helps understand why something did not work as you had expected. I feel that this is a good beginners book if like I stated before, you are not looking for a tutorial type of book.