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I got my ham license because I loved electronics. I went to a local meeting, got a transceiver, and joined a local net. Then I realized I didn't really have anything to say over the radio to these people.

But the ARRL handbook is definitely a masterpiece.

Agreed on the Handbook. The Operating Manual and Antenna (handbook?) are also really good.

If I'm at home I get on the air for traffic nets or QRP and there the topics are thankfully pre-defined because I'm a lousy conversationalist. I found clubs to be a hit and miss kind of thing. Some of them have active homebrewing groups where you can exercise your love of electronics but they're not as common as smaller clubs that tend more towards operating (emergency comms, repeater installations, stuff like that) rather than building things. 73

Agree with the sentiment, but amateur radio isn't the only game in town. I think the key is to pick something that appeals. These days robotics is a good way to get going. Also audio gear is a good choice for the serious listener, or effects/performance electronics for the musician.

What all these have in common is an engaging purpose that focuses learning, and endless challenge that always leads to new learning.

Amateur radio did it for me, and I still maintain a large radiosport station, but for my kid it was robotics that really lit up their eyes.

Good one. I've tried studying electronics for years. But 4 months after completing my amateur radio exams I am actually building my first mobile transceiver rig. I have a 12V SLAB coming and my antenna, transceiver, and other little parts arrived today. I'm confident enough with the theory that I'm ready to dive in and build a little mobile station inside a toolbox. It also helps to be a part of a community where this is just normal stuff, and people will check in on me to ask how things went. Good pressure.