I highly recomend classes given by local yarn shops... it is very much worth it to have that help and to SEE how it is done rather then instructions in a book

Maybe you can find a local stitch n bitch group too. There is a website for that ... here it is... www.stitchnbitch.org/snb_groups.htm
Of course you could get a basic book some worsted weight yarn and maybe #10 needles and just try it out. One of my favorite knitting books is Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmerman.
Happy Knitting!
Elizabeth

I got started with a few things. I have several co-workers who knit and they basically gave me everything I needed to start. I also borrowed a copy of the Stitch n Bitch book which had diagrams and simple instructions. When the diagrams wouldn't make sense I'd ask a co-worker and vice versa.

I started out with some yarn and basically knitted a square. The square served no purpose other than practice so there was no pressure when I messed. Also, I've found knitting to be extremely forgiving (except for the dropped stitch).

Once you complete your first little square of fabric you'll be fine.