My advice would be to set aside Cindy's book (the old one, not applicable to her new Beads of Glass , which is fab.). Check out More Than You Ever Wanted To Know About Glass Bead Making by James Kervin and Passing the Flame by Corina Tettinger. The first one is likely something your local library will have. The second is new, expensive but worth it if you're going to go beyond the newbie stage.
Also, make sure the place you're taking the class has adequate ventilation. When I took my class, they had terrible ventilation, and my chest hurt for days afterwards. I was fatigued and nauseous, and didn't know why until Paulette told me I probably had a reaction to the propane fumes. Most likely it's okay, but ask to make sure.
After the class, see if you buy torch time at the place the class is being given until you get your own torch. Practice a ton. Make sure you love this art before you invest money - it's an expensive art. Then, read everything you can at the Wetcanvas boards and the ISGB forum. Reading the forums and message boards were fun for me, and an inexpensive way to get a lot of varied information and opinions. The posts there went a long way in helping me with my set up. James Kervin's book is top notch in helping with the set up of your torch and gas system. It will help ease your fears, as will the forum posts.
Lastly - have fun! Don't let the glass scare you - melting and shaping the glass can be a blissful experience if you let it. Open your mind and imagination, and you'll love it. :)