a beginner robot hobbyist needs help

[JinWJ]

Hello! I have just taken up robot building as a hobby a day ago.
I first got two books called Robot Building for Beginners by David Cook
and Robo Builder's Bonanza by Gordon McComb and Myke Predko.
When I was reading Robot Building for Beginners, the author suggested
that if you don't have a money income source and don't have that much time, (me, Im 13-student)
you should start out by a Lego Mindstorm or Parallax Boe Bot. I decided that
I didn't really want the Mindstorm because it's too expensive.
So I'm asking, should I just continue on with this book and build a real robot
or start out with some beginner's robot kit such as the parallax boe bot?
Please give me some recommendations. Thank you!!!

ps. also, can you suggest a good robot parts catalogue and magazine if you can? thanks