Ask YC: C++

Folks, I am a Pythonista, and need to learn C++ in a hurry. I have almost negligible familiarity with the language. In a months time I want to be able to hack basic apps in the Symbian C++ environment.

I am looking for suggestions for good books for C, C++, STL and Symbian. Please let me know what you think is the best course of action. Also any advice from your experience is appreciated.

PS: What do you think of C++ as a language?