I would suggest go over to 3dbuzz and download their tutorials and try some of the tutorials at newteks website that will get you up to speed. A book is always good to have nearby and also will help you go through the basics with explanations and stuff,,, i am having the Inside Lightwave 7. Really good.
I like this site for online tutorials.
http://members.shaw.ca/LightWavetutorials/Main_Menu.htm