Java is a very easy to use language once u get a hold of it.... if anyone is a beginner in java then they should attend some interesting java focused conferences which gives a huge knowledge abt the language nd very interesting, easy tips nd tricks which are very useful... few of the famous java conferences are Javapolis (devox), JavaOne, and recently i received a mail from oracle regarding their JavaOne conference.. They have many interesting sessions lined up fr this year... you can take a look at their sessions related topics here: https://www.regpulse.com/javaone2013/register.php?pcode=737266&src=4003&Act=1
I myself hoping to attend several sessions about Core Java Platform; JavaFX, Java Embedded, and Java Card and many more.