Great suggestions so far. Ted's book is definitely considered a classic introduction, and Giovanni Macioccia is one of the standard authors used in TCM schools across North America.
If you're looking for entry-level material on the road towards personal practice, I recommend you start with Tui Na and acupressure massage. This is not to say that massage is easier than acupuncture, but it DOES carry less risk, and you can start practicing on yourself, your family and friends right away. Also, it will give you experiential exposure to the meridians and acupoints. Massage is an important component of Die Da (Dit Da) medicine, too, so if you already know or do some of that, the massage will tie in nicely.
"It is the peculiar quality of a fool to perceive the faults of others and to forget his own." -Cicero