Where to start? - Certification help

Shadow

I want to get certified, but do not know where to start. Should I start with the A+ certification? MCSE? CNE? CCNA? And if I do attempt these certifications, is there a book that you would recommend? Take into account, I would like a book that are for beginners and ones that are not aimed at taking the test but towards just learning the materials. One last question, if I want to study Cisco products, will studying from a book alone do any good or should I attain some sort of Cisco product?