Dear HN, in the near future I'm going to help a new person find their way into Linux server administration.

Their idea, which I think is very good, is to start by setting up their own small VPS to get a first feeling for all of this. Now they asked whether I knew a good resource (e.g. a book) which leads you trough the first steps (i.e. setting up SSH securely, etc.).

Well, aside from some good online tutorials, I wasn't able to really recommend something in good conscience. Do you know of any good and current "Introduction to Linux Server Administration" resources worth recommending?

TL;DR: Which book would you recommend an absolute beginner wanting to set-up their first small Linux server?