I got started many years ago with "SQL For Dummies". It was actually a pretty great book for getting started. Then, go to sqlite.org, read every page on the s

I got started many years ago with "SQL For Dummies". It was actually a pretty great book for getting started. Then, go to sqlite.org, read every page on the site, including the file format, read posts on the forum, read the source code. You'll learn a lot, and by downloading sqlite and playing with it, you'll have your own personal db lab. The Python interface to sqlite is very easy to use IMO.