Every pilot has to learn the craft from someone. Some of this instruction MUST be done by a certified flight instructor, but to my knowledge, there is no rule that says students can't pick up a book and learn a thing or two by themselves.

 If you were a student of mine, I'd want you to at least read these fine books.

• Private Pilot Manual by Jeppesen Sanderson
• Flight Training Handbook by U.S. Dept of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration
• Federal Aviation Regulations by FAA
• Aeronautical Information Manual by FAA
• Private Pilot for Airplane Single-Engine Land Practicle Test Standards by FAA
• Aeronautical Chart User's Guide by the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration
• Aviation Weather Services by FAA and NOAA
• Stalls, Spins, and Safety by Sammy Mason
• The Basic Aerobatic Manual by William Kershner (best book about spins ever!)

I'd also recommend you read;

• Fate is the Hunter by Ernest K. Gann
• Weather Flying by Robert N. Buck
• We by Charles A. Lindbergh
• The Spirit of St. Louis by Charles A. Lindbergh
• Return With Honor by Captain Scott O'Grady