I am in the process of studying for the MCSE exams, I passed one - Workstation NT. This was the first book I read, I also read the Microsoft Technical Support Guide. The difference is that the Carter book has an 'author' and he builds a relationship with the reader which enables you to better understand the material. At times he seems a little bit too simplistic, however this is indicative of Carter's straightforward style.
Also the book is a bit repetitive in places, yet I passed the exam (workstation) successfully and the key concepts mapped out in this text have given me a sound basis for future study. The hands on workshops are also essential in reinforcing the theory.
I would recommend this text and a software test such as selftest.com questions. Inevitably as your knowledge expands you will need to get hands on experience (do the workshops), and test experience with a program that simulates the real test.
This is a very well written book which demonstrates the 'insider' knowledge that Carter brings to the text. He seems to understand the learning process a lot better than the Microsoft text, also he isn't afraid to teach to pass the exam as inevitably exams test how well you are at passing exams.
This book addresses both these issues well (passing the exam & understanding key NT WKS concepts). Happy studying :-)