I want to learn this!

Hello My name is Robert-Jan and I've been webdesigning since 97 (very basic HTML sites, little Java and Flash). I got a job on the web in 99 and this was mainly providing content and other guys did the asp stuff for me. This is why I kindo overslept the database hype. And heck I want to learn it! The question is where can I learn this. I've downloaded the manual at php.net but this wasn't very satisfying as I really don't like reading lots of complicated stuff on the screen of my laptop. Are there any books you guys/gals could recommend? Are there (non university/school) classes (satisfactory)? Please tell me cause I really want to automate the sites I run now. Cheers and thanks for your help Robert-Jan www.forzaminardi.com