Dont get too deep into the book too soon...
There is a LOT in "real" C that you dont need to know,
and a significant amount that will confuse thing too.
Stick to its basics, and CERTAINLY look to it as a reference...

Also, check out the workshops, as linked by Dark_Samurai, and later on look
at some of the more recent AUM magazines at http://www.3dgamestudio.com/aum.php.
Be cautious looking too far back, as there is old C-Script code there that is
pretty much obsolete nowadays...

And welcome aboard...