Im going against the groupe here, simply to put forth another point of view.
I think it is safe to assume that you have taken pictures before, just not with a DSLR. But because of this, you will have a newfound critique of you photos, and what works for you and what doesn't.
What I am going to say is sure, put it on AUTO and shoot away. Look at your stuff on the computer and decide what you like, what you don't and why. But most importantly, use the camera and learn it!
Then as you go through the books, you can start applying the lesson to things, such as one day shoot in Aperature Priority mode, then the next time shoot in Shutter priority mode and learn each of lessons as you come to them.
Learning about all this is important, but it's just as important to get out and start shooting.
IMHO Good luck and enjoy your new camera