First of all, thanks to all the forum members here, who have aided me in my quest.  I did pass the exam this last week with 5 Proficients, and the whole process lasted 2hrs 20 mins. It was quite anticlimactic, since I could sense that I was doing well on most of the questions as the test progressed. However, I must say that a lot of preparation did go into it. Here are a few tips, in case it helps anyone. I must say that I have friends who chose different approaches, and below are just suggestions. Each of us needs to tweak the study plan as per personal preferences.

The final sequence I used was (after quite some scanning through these books, and deciding on a plan):

i) Read the PMBOK guide once - I did not gain much through this first reading, except to get an idea of the challenge ahead :). But for me, this was important.

ii) Read Andy Crowe - this is an easy read, and gives you a great overview of the PMBOK guide, plus some good questions at the end of each chapter.

iii) Definitely read one more resource - in my case I chose Rita Mulcahy's book after some research. I would definitely not be comfortable with Andy's book alone. It absolutely served its purpose, which was to ease me into other material. But I wouldn't call it exhaustive. The one mistake, for me, was to try to read Rita's Process Chart and remember that in addition to the 42 PMBOK processes. After a few days, and after giving a few sample tests, I decided that I would be better off forgetting Rita's process chart. Personally, turned out to be a good call. 

iv) Keep reading the PMBOK multiple times, and give lots and lots of sample tests. Did I mention lots and lots of sample tests? Do not underestimate the stress of sitting for a few hours, if you are no longer used to such environments. I guess everyone of us needs different things from a sample test provider. For me, more than sheer number of tests, it was important that it be as close to the exam as possible. Now, I do not know how well the others perform, but I was happy with the one I chose based on some online feedback - PMStudy. I took the 4 test option.

v) Other than that, gave lotsa smaller tests mentioned on PMZilla, including PMZilla. For PMI members, there are free resouces with sample tests available in the Knowledge Center online. 

All the best!!