I have two questions for the experienced herp photographers who have pity on the photographically challenged.

1) Is there a book out there that would be useful to a novice to photography but would also help me after I’ve picked up the basics and want to learn more about macro-photography and the nuances of digital cameras?
2) I’m currently using a Canon fixed lens camera (PowerShot A70) and I’m having a lot of trouble finding a good compromise between too much light (sunlight or flash) and too little (indirect sunlight or room light). A friend of mine said I should use a diffuser with natural sunlight. Any comments would appreciated.

Here are two shots that I think highlight the problem:

Regards
John