I love self-development books David, but I think for me they can only get you so far...
One of my main problems when younger was being incredibly shy. I found great strength and comfort in books. The first self-development book that I read was Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway! by Susan Jeffers. I found that really helped me to think of my fears in a way that seemed easier to cope with. I soon graduated onto Anthony Robbins books... ah, amazing: Awaken the Giant Within and Unlimited Power. My own private guide - Anthony Robbins - in my bedroom... I really began to believe I was awakening the giant within!
ASIDE: By coincidence, I was listening to music when I saw your post - just a trivial pop song: Why D'you Wanna go & put Starz in Their Eyes, though I do like this line "...and it's a long way to come from your private bedroom routines; Saturday night's drunken dreams.."
But I got to a point where I realised - for me - that I had to get out there more! When I went to my first Anthony Robbins event, it was like... "Whoa! Who IS this huge American guy with a mouth and volume to match??!" Not the gentle speaking Anthony Robbins of my books - surely?!
That guy on the stage took some getting used to at first..! But as I got used to it, I really got into it..! The whole event, I mean - 10,000 souls there were in that room, all totally brought into alignment by this amazing presenter - Tony Robbins.
What struck me more than anything was how differently his material came across from how I'd understood the books... he is very physical and keen on the importance of physical mastery alongside mental mastery, which was rather lost on me in the books. And also, the exercises he takes you through really get you to connect - in extreme ways - with your own inner core AND also connect with others ('strangers'!) in ways you would never have imagined possible.
It really is awesome!
Books and tapes are fantastic and I still buy them, read, listen and use them (after all, we can't always be at events!) but there is no substitute for being there, so as Tony says - Just do it!! You'll have loads of fun if you do!
Angela 
When I let go of who I am, then I can become what I might be.