There are some articles in the articles forums about using the hooks. I haven't really looked at them though. Once you finish doing your code in a plugin, you should go right back to that place in the code where the hook is located (unless you put an exit; at the end of the code).
As for php books, I really can't recommend any. I use google for a lot of help and then just steal my hubbies php books which are sitting around.
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