Instead of buying books, I'd use the Internet - there's plenty of free photography tutorials available on the Internet, and some of them are quite good. Try browsing the learning section at
www.photo.net for starters. I've always found the Cambridge in colour site's digital tutorials interesting too:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm
As H has said, read the camera manuals. Get to know the camera.
And most importantly, practice, practice and thrice practice.
Cheers,
Dave