This post gives perfect advice - to go out and learn something hands-on as opposed to just reading a book about it. It's like sex; you're only going to get good at it if you practice. Reading a book on it will not help one bit.

"School tends to restrict our definition of what education is. In particular, scholastic education is a one way street."

That's my new favorite quote! I learned more about life during one year of volunteer work in South Africa than I did during my 12 years of the public school system. Being "street smart" is ultimately more valuable than being academically smart, IMO.