I wouldn't really say CAD is something you can pick up by reading a book. I could be wrong though.

If you are serious get yourself booked onto a course. They are usually about 4 days long and are probably pretty helpfull, or find a kind person to teach you.

I'm taking my Solidworks Certified Professional exams later on this year :)

I started a job knowing nothing about it and got given a basic introduction to it then picked it up as I went along. I taught myself mostly. Did a qualification in it a couple of years ago but already knew everything on the course, just did it to get a recognised qualification in it. 5 years later I'm producing all sorts of drawings I could never have imagined I'd be doing when I started. I'm still learning things all the time aswell.

Never read a book on it in all the time I've been using it.

Depends what you want froma CAD program really...

You say AutoCAD, so I'm assuming you want an autodesk product?

A coshure LT package will set you back circa £800+vat....IIRC that allows you online tutorials if you subscribe.

Ive been using CAD for 20 years now :o and still pick up tips on stuff from here:-

http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/

I believe there are tutorials on there, although ive not looked at them myself...

http://www.pixel2life.com

excellent website for tutorials

try and find some online tutorials.
Its not difficult to pick up at all.

just start drawing simple stuff and you'll soon pick it up

Can take a while to fully understand what it can do, but I'd not bother with a book.

Try and get a drawing of something simple (like a building floor plan) and draw it. Best way to pick up all the tools IMO. Any questions ask here otherwise....

I'm a beginner but i've got a chance of a job doing something with CAD. What version should i start off with and can anyone recomend any books?