This is obviously not a universal formula, but I started out with "Practical Common LISP"; and then went on to SICP, translating the Scheme code into CL code as I went along. I then followed this by "On LISP".

For someone who does not know programming at all, I'd recommend SICP first. The text is dense, no doubt there; but, IMHO, not dense enough to deter reading.

Of course, I'm more of a "learn-it-the-hard-way" person; mileage may differ for more easygoing people.