Reddit mentions of The Oxford Solid State Basics

What I would suggest:

Introduction to Modern Optics by Fowles. It's short and to the point.

The Oxford Solid State Basics by Simon. The author also has lectures posted on his website that are fantastic. Additionally, Roald Hoffmann has a series of papers that introduce solid state concepts that are useful for chemists. They're very worthwhile reads. Here, here, and here.

Computational Physics by Newman. I find this really easy to read and understand. A lot of people around here recommend it.

I didn't like the Kittel book, and we used this Steve Simon book for my solid state course at Uni.
It's one of the funniest textbooks I've ever had, actually. Lots of little comedic asides.

However, he also has basically the whole book on his website for free anyway (with some errors that are resolved in the printed version)

I'd recommend Steven Simon's Oxford Solid State Basics. https://www.amazon.com/Oxford-Solid-State-Basics/dp/0199680779

Used it in parallel with Kittel.

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https://www.amazon.com/Oxford-Solid-State-Basics/dp/0199680779 It's a fairly inexpensive book no matter the currency

The other well known book is ashcroft and mermin http://www.amazon.com/Solid-State-Physics-Neil-Ashcroft/dp/0030839939 which has better reviews but still isn't regarded as amazing or anything

http://www.amazon.com/The-Oxford-Solid-State-Basics/dp/0199680779/ref=pd_sim_b_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0PR4FET4HSKRNNR4Z1AR seems promising by the reviews.