How do I begin seeking Islamic religious knowledge, and what books would help me achieve the ability to respond to the misconceptions of Islam's enemies and master the basic Sharia matters?

We have previously discussed seeking knowledge and its methodology in earlier fatwas. As for the books that address the methodology of seeking knowledge, there are many, including: "A Practical Program for Jurists" by Abdul Aziz Al-Qari, "The Adornments of the Student of Knowledge" by Bakr Abu Zayd, "The Etiquette of Seeking Knowledge" by Al-Shawkani, and "A Reminder for the Listener and Speaker" by Ibn Jama'ah, among others.