I have intermediate PHP skills and need to customize a SugarCRM database for myself.

I have started reading "Apress - The Definitive Guide to SugarCRM (2009)" however I am finding it all a little bit overwhelming and I am only in to chapter 2. I am keen to get working on my database.

Will it all make sense by the end of the book?

What I need is a book that has tutorials or exercises with step by step instructions. Is there anything the explains customization of SugarCRM a lot simpler and easier for newbies?