Best books on tweaking WordPress 2.7 for those who kinda get it?

I’m using WordPress 2.7.1 I love everything www.ads-software.com has to offer. I wrote my other blog on WordPress.com, so I was used to some of it.

Since January, I’ve been learning so many new things. I have become pretty good at backing up my blog, installing plugins (and configuring them), adding text widgets, adding video and pics…and, oh, yes, blogging ??

The one area I feel limited in is that I have very limited HTML experience. I wonder if it would benefit me to take an HTML course? I’m not a techie, but I’m pretty confident on computers and often, the go-to person for friends of mine who are where I was years ago.

So, I’m not a “newbie” per se, but I have no ego. Would WordPress 2.7 for Dummies be good for me? Or, are there other books that are good for those with an intermediate level of experience? Bookstores in my area don’t carry a lot of books on WordPress so I hate to buy books unless they come highly recommended or I get to view them.

Another area that just frustrates me is that I can’t find a theme that I like. I am willing to pay for one, but I’ve not found any premium themes I like. I’ve been toying with learning how to do my own themes, so yes, I know, I need classes. I’ll still probably hire someone in the interim to do one for my site.

So, what books are good? Also, know of any good on-line HTML classes? Or, is it better to take an in-person class? I took a web design class on-line and loved it (no, it was for FrontPage which won’t be supported much longer and no, didn’t learn any coding…I’m a copier/paster when it comes to code…hee hee!).

Thanks in advance,
L