krevlingoodspeed said:
First pick up the 35mm f/1.8. Get it used from KEH.
Yes definitely pick that one up! It hasn't got zoom like you wanted but it's really sharp and you can also use it when the light's low. In fact I recommend walking around for a bit using just that lens, so you can get used to your camera and feel comfortable taking pics with it and not have to worry about zoom. You may just like it so much you end up not using zoom at all any more, I know I have.
For books I totally recommend Michael Freeman. In fact all you other peeps should check him out as well. He's written some excellent books on a variety of subjects. His style is really very thorough, he discusses all the aspects of the subject in a very neat way. For starters you may want to pick up:
Light and Lighting
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Lighting-Digital-Photography/dp/1579908853/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1283065090&sr=8-1
Listing a variety of advice to improve as a photographer is Top Tips
http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Freemans-Digital-Photography-Tips/dp/1600594182/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1283065145&sr=1-1
And when you're ready for the real thing...pick up Photographer's Eye. It's a deep discussion of composition in photography:
http://www.amazon.com/Photographers-Eye-Composition-Design-Digital/dp/0240809343/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b
Oh there's also books that introduce you to your camera, but I found those rather boring in general, you should just go out and shoot really :)
Good luck
