I couldn't "get" Douglas Adams either ("Hitch Hikers Guide..."). "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" (Hunter Thompson) didn't stir me much either.
Here is another review/suggestion:
Read Moor's, "Chip Charving Workbook" BEFORE Barton's, "Complete Guide to Chip Carving".
I base this on reading both of these in the last 2 week. The first is far more *instructive* (to the beginner), the second mostly features photos of beautiful projects (largely presented without instruction).
Maybe one of Barton's other books would provide a good introduction to chip carving--but this one does not. It was fine though after reading Moor's book. I made through it in one sitting--it would be great if you need a carving-project idea. Barton's book also contains a few nice sets of character templates (in several fonts), along with photos of what they looked like carved in wood. In fact, this may comprise 1/3 of the book!