I agree with the book suggestions for Python Primer and Learning Python. If your ultimate goal is to apply Python to GIS, I would recommend reading them in that order. I had tried a few other Python books first and did not get anywhere. Python Primer really helped me figure out how to combine Python with GIS and gave me a flavor of what I wanted to be able to do. I followed this up by reading Learning Python to be sure I understood the basics and good practice for entry level Python coding. By reading and working through Python Primer first, I was able to think about how I would use the information from Learning Python as I was writing Python scripts that worked with GIS.
Another great Python book that is hot off the press is Python for Data Analysis by Wes McKinney (ISBN: 978-1449319793). I would read this one after you have worked through the other two books. It has a lot of useful ideas and examples for anyone using Python to analyze data.
There are also Python user groups in a lot of locations that welcome anyone interested in Python (pure beginners to experts). You may want to see if there is a group in your area. This really helped me when I was learning to program. There were also semi-annual free "Code Camps" near where I was living when I was getting started. The first one was over my head in terms of some of the code and vocabulary, but people pointed me towards a lot of great resources, local groups, websites, etc.
