Being on the receiving end of crowd control munitions is certainly a better education then any book.
If you’re curious about theory there’s tons of alternatives to books: podcasts, film, public speeches, community training/workshops, etc.
My suggestion is Women’s War by Robert Evans on Behind the Bastards. I also suggest pretty much anything on
https://channelzeronetwork.com/
If someone just shows up and participates with an open mind they’re doing more than most. Anyone who would gatekeep because you didn’t read such and such text should be promptly told to fuck right off because that’s a caustic hierarchical bullshit appeal to false authority and kills engagement.
If you need a (text)book try The Ecology of Freedom - Bookchin. You could probably find other books here too
https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/murray-bookchin-the-ecology-of-freedom
