I agree that Mims' books are easy to understand, but for me they are boring and painfully behind the current state of the art. Horowitz and Hill's Art of Electronics (the third edition is out) on the other hand is readable and holds your interest, and gives you an up to date forest for the trees perspective (it is even funny in places). I also feel obligated to point out Mims' controversies http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forrest_Mims#Controversy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Pianka#Texas_Academy_of_Sc...

Which one to start with?

Getting Started in Electronics is good, though I think there might even be a more basic one depending on how much you already know. I think they give a good overview with fun projects and get you to the point where you can find more advanced materials on your own and even come up with your own projects.