for me, i don't think there is any easy way of learning Maya...you just gotta keep on using maya over time and learn from your mistakes. But I do think, however, if you can, get somenoe who's really advance at Maya to teach you one on one, then that'll be another faster way to learn maya. But I think having some of the books are okay and a good start to begin with.
9 months into Maya...and still learning...
0 experience with any other 3D programs