I recommend Digital Lighting & Rendering. One of the most wonderful and informative series of books on CG lighting you can possibly read check it out.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=books
Read some of the user reviews at the bottom.
There is also a second edition coming soon. I already have it on preorder.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=books
The Digital series of CG books is a wonderful series. Not just explaining the mechanics of using a program to create CG effects but going into depth into the very heart of CG and explaining the essence of digital cg effects. In a non software specific format you will learn the methods and reasoning behind CG effects not just the button to hit to make it happen.