Reddit mentions of Electronic Sensor Circuits & Projects, Volume III (Engineer's Mini Notebook)

So as far as hobby books go, I'd generally suggest the Forest Mims Engineering note books. They have a ton of useful circuits, and mini projects and stuff. Very useful for Tinkering and useful all around. Also pretty easy to read and follow.

• Book 1
  
• Book 2
  
• Book 3
  
• Book 4

For a cheaper alternative but not as guided, check out these books as well. Very short and clear examples of different circuits that are used all over the place.

http://www.amazon.com/Timer-Amp-Optoelectronic-Circuits-Projects/dp/0945053290
http://www.amazon.com/Science-Communication-Circuits-Projects-Forrest/dp/0945053320
http://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Circuits-Projects-Engineers-Notebook/dp/0945053312

I was at the same point you were at so I started working through every example in the timers and op amps book. It helped more than I could have imagined! You can buy a dozen 555 timers and 741 op amps, a breadboard and some jumper wire and make half of the circuits in that book for under $30. Very useful stuff. It will also help you narrow down what sub fields of EE you enjoy.

And then all of these books:

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These three books are AWESOME reference materials for beginners:
Electronic Formulas, Symbols & Circuits https://www.amazon.com/dp/0945053304/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jH83AbPDS160A

Timer, Op Amp, and Optoelectronic Circuits & Projects https://www.amazon.com/dp/0945053290/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mI83Ab16XQRSG

Electronic Sensor Circuits & Projects, Volume III (Engineer's Mini Notebook) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0945053312/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_II83Ab8BXSKS1