Hi,

If aviation is what you truly want to do, then go for it. If it isn't, then look into finding something else, make a little money and THEN get into it, because it is not cheap.

As far as the books go, I've used the Gleim's for my writtens (along with other study materials) and they have worked great so far. The only Jepp books I have used are the ones that a geared for specific licenses/ratings (Jepp Private Pilot, Jepp Instrument/Commercial, etc.) and I still use them to supplement information when I am teaching my students. Both companies do good work, and there is nothing wrong with using both, often if I can't find the answer in one, it is found in the other.

Otherwise, good luck, have fun and let us know how it goes!