Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, by Ross Mistry and Stacia Misner
The good thing is that the book is free and distributed by MIcrosoft itself. And can be found HERE
The TOC is like below:
PART I Database Administration
CHAPTER 1 SQL Server 2008 R2 Editions and Enhancements
CHAPTER 2 Multi-Server Administration
CHAPTER 3 Data-Tier Applications
CHAPTER 4 High Availability and Virtualization Enhancements
CHAPTER 5 Consolidation and Monitoring
PART II Business Intelligence Development
CHAPTER 6 Scalable Data Warehousing
CHAPTER 7 Master Data Services
CHAPTER 8 Complex Event Processing with StreamInsight
CHAPTER 9 Reporting Services Enhancements
CHAPTER 10 Self-Service Analysis with PowerPivot
The first part focuses on the DBA track, and the second part in BI. Beautiful composition, and packed with moderate techy how-to’s. Good for standard end-user. Not a pro guide. It does not focus on DB performance tuning or designing.