Walt Jung -- Opamp Cookbook taught me a lot about building analog circuits in a way that made sense. I suppose it is long out of print. I learned that an opamp is a lot more than a linear amplifier. I bought some parts and started building...and that started my love affair with the opamp.
TI -- The TTL Databook. Believe it or not, as a kid I could sit for hours just looking at the various functions you could get in little 14 and 16 pin packages. Then I went to the local surplus electronics store and bought a handful. Soon I had flashing lights, counters, raceways, and other stuff made out of TTL parts.
hands-on is the best way to learn. Books will get you started, but sooner or later you have to hit the bench.