the best way to learn to drive off-road is to do it, rocks, mud, sand, whatever you can find locally. Go for it, you will have fun, and you will learn a lot. Also, go with more ecperienced 'wheeers, you can learn a lot form them. As far as reading goes, I can't think of the titles right now, but ther is a lot of good information out there, including one book whic is focused more on long-term expeditions.