I'd meet / invite someone over for dinner that knows his shit and is able to explain the fundamentals of SLR photography.
Beyond that read the manual to get a grip on that specific camera's ways / were to set certain things, but again - I'd always prefer to meet with someone rather than read books.
Other half has just bought a DSLR (700D), is there a decent book/guide I could her so she can get the most out of it?