Photographing The World Around You by Freeman patterson.
This is one of the most rewarding books I've read on the creative aspects of photography. It covers the elements of design and composition, and is one of the few popular photography books out there in which the discussion of composition goes well beyond the "rule of thirds."
Understanding Exposure
by Bryan Peterson. An excellent resource for the person who wants to move beyond using the automatic modes on his or her camera. It covers how to meter and control aperture and shutterspeed for creative effects and correct exposure.
How to Photograph Your Life by Nick Kelsh. This concise guide is ideal for someone new to photography. Kelsh has a wonderfully clear writing style, and he includes photos that represent common mistakes in photography. Also, all the impressive example photos in the book are taken with a simple point-and-shoot digital camera, making it especially inspiring for those who don't have fancy cameras. This was probably the first photography book I read from cover to cover, and it really heped me learn the fundamentals with my first digital point-and-shoot camera.
BetterPhoto.com: a great site that offers plenty of inspiring eye candy, a montly photo contest with prizes, online photography courses from well-known instructors, and free articles and tips.
UseFilm: a photography site where users can upload their photos to receive feedback and ratings. Users can also participate in photography discussion boards. This community is full of amazingly talented photographers.
photo.net: a photography site of the same genre as usefilm, where members can receive critiques and participate in photography discussion boards. This is also a great place to hobnob with photographers of amazing talent.
PhotographyBLOG: another forum where users can upload their photos and receive feedback and ratings. This site also holds several themed photography contests with prizes.
PhotoFriday: a weekly themed photography challenge.
i-gizmo: an online photography club featuring a weekly themed photo contest.
LensDay: yet another weekly themed photography challenge.
The-Digital-Picture.com: a good resource for information about Canon SLR cameras, lenses, and accessories.
Photography Review: professional and user reviews of cameras, lenses, and accessories.
megapixel.net: an online photography magazine published in French and English. It offers forums, galleries, and articles in addition to equipment reviews.
Photographing The World Around You by Freeman patterson.
This is one of the most rewarding books I've read on the creative aspects of photography. It covers the elements of design and composition, and is one of the few popular photography books out there in which the discussion of composition goes well beyond the "rule of thirds." 
Understanding Exposure
by Bryan Peterson. An excellent resource for the person who wants to move beyond using the automatic modes on his or her camera. It covers how to meter and control aperture and shutterspeed for creative effects and correct exposure.
How to Photograph Your Life by Nick Kelsh. This concise guide is ideal for someone new to photography. Kelsh has a wonderfully clear writing style, and he includes photos that represent common mistakes in photography. Also, all the impressive example photos in the book are taken with a simple point-and-shoot digital camera, making it especially inspiring for those who don't have fancy cameras. This was probably the first photography book I read from cover to cover, and it really heped me learn the fundamentals with my first digital point-and-shoot camera.
The Photoshop CS Book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby. This book offers a very practical guide on how to accomplish feats that most digital photographers will find very valuable.