If you don't want to go the organized lessons route, I'd try going to a local meeting of Stitch n' Bitch. I forgot which state you're in KR so here's the website.
Stitch n bitch groups by state
Anyone from someone just learning to cast on to more advanced just get together and help each other out. Everyone is pretty friendly for the most part. There's no membership fee. It's a once a week kind of thing.
If you're going to get a book, I'd suggest "Stitch n' Bitch,The Knitter's Handbook" by Debbie Stoller. Great pictures. Easy to follow.
Threaded Mode