First off, could anyone recommend a few good woodworking books?
World's ugliest book list:
For project books, think about what style you like. Bavaro & Mossman for Stickley, maybe Becksvoort for Shaker (lovely book, not really project-based)
Who does a good _project_ book on Shaker ?
Second, what's the difference between MDF and particle board, if any?
Particle board (chipboard to the Brits) is rubbish. MDF is useful. Don't be ashamed to use MDF, especially if you need to furnish a house and do it quickly.
Working MDF needs a cheap handheld circular saw with a fine blade (don't stick with the supplied multi-use one) and a cheap biscuit jointer. With those two, you can built furniture.
You _must_ have breathing protection. Eyes and ears too. For MDF, I prefer a full face mask on my respirator instead of glasses, because the stuff floats on the air and gets into my eyes.
For curves, get a jigsaw. Round-body Bosch are the best - a good jigsaw _does_ make a difference over a cheap one.
When you can (cash and space) get a 10" table saw that's vaguely usable. I think Ryobi 3000 is the "starter level" US model that's worth having - Axminster BTS10PP in the UK.
If there is, what holds up better for small interior projects, like TV >stands?
Biscuit jointed MDF. Lovely stuff, quick to work.
Surface is ugly (looks like cardboard) so either paint or veneer it. If painting, start with proper MDF primer, or fibres raise on the surface.