It's easy for those of us that have
had one glued to our elbow for 35 years (so to speak) that some new HAMS
do not have electronics backgrounds, in fact I have a very good HAM friend
that is a nurse, and she is not the first nurse HAM that I have met.
I use much more of the information that I learned from the ARRL handbook
than my 2 wears of technical school, in my work, maintaining transmitters.
I spent many very nice days (with
my wife) at "Disney World" starting in 1971 reading my way through the
long waiting lines at attractions, it added to my enjoyment of the holiday.
Little by Little my technical knowledge of radio expanded. (I have
always been a tech trying to learn operating!)
For a newcomer to HAM radio `The Radio Amateur's Handbook' is a must! Where to get one? I am talking about a book that is re-published every year, now hard bound in a 10 X 15" size with `news print,' formally 6« X 9«" printed on a nicer quality paper, you can buy a new one for about $35 + taxes you can buy a nice used of the older (easier to carry around, (in a car or on vacation) for a dollar or more at some hamfests. I read a 1967 edition, (bright red cover -different every year.)
How to study it. This may seem odd, but new HAMS without any electronics background should first read the first chapter called "Amateur Radio" then "Operating a Station" followed by `Assembling a Station' all non technical chapters first.
Then the technical chapters begin, `Electrical Laws and Circuits' followed by `Transmission Lines', I have no more suggestions, read about anything that you develop an interest or have a question about, like antennas or the Digital Modes or Single Side band etc. Next time I might discuss MECCA, not in the far east, HAM'S MECCA, in DAYTON, Ohio!