to understand the entire concept of hinduism and hindus (fyi, hindus didn't know they were hindus until the west coined the term), you only have to read one book - the bhagwat gita. read the one that has exact translation with no purports and just attempt to know what the line say. if you don't really understand then read the purport but don't believe the purport because it is only someone else's understanding. ultimately you'll know that hinduism actually doesn't accept idol worship or divine rituals. Here is a very good translation online - http://www.asitis.com/