TITLE: Book recommendations for relearning high school math to study Calculus and beyond?
QUESTION [22 upvotes]: Assume someone has very limited knowledge of math: low level high school, 5-6 years ago. How would they learn from the basics of algebra, geometry and trigonometry to a solid foundation for calculus and beyond? I would like to relearn math and go to university for computer science. 
I am looking for book recommendations, math learning strategies (how to comprehend math texts), and a brief explanation as to how one knows when they are ready to learn calculus. 
Some books' prose is quite overwhelming. How can I better understand?
How essential is geometry for calculus? What about for further math such as linear algebra, discrete math or differential equations? 
How can I make sure that what I am reading/learning will stick? How can I maximize comprehension of a textbook and rule /definitions? Is notetaking out of a textbook effective?
Is it essential to master high-school math before attempting calculus or can holes be patched in the process of learning calculus?
I am not simply looking for youtube videos, though they are useful I want more substance than simply being spoon-fed.

REPLY [5 votes]: Currently relearning HS Math myself. My current reading list is:

Serge Lang - Basic Mathematics
I.M. Gelfand - Algebra 
I.M. Gelfand - Trigonometry
George F. Simmons - Precalculus in a Nutshell