Learning Russian

My summer project is to learn a bit of Russian. Could you guys direct me to some good guides and books to help me begin? Also, any tips to help me stray from making mistakes would be appreciated. I'm looking to read and write rather than be extremely proficient at conversation if that means anything.

I especially need a good introductory book, as I'll be leaving for a trip in a few days and I hope to study during it.

>>3
That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. I've been learning Russian for almost two years and I've talked to tons of Russians on forums and social networking sites. None of them ever expressed negative sentiments towards my interest in their language. It's quite the opposite actually.

OP: http://www.freelanguagecourses.com/language/russian/princeton-russian-course-51/

Free university course ftw.