I want to learn how to fly a plane

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Title pretty much says it all. I'm thinking about joining a flight school for fun/hobby/etc, and I'm just curious as to any experiences, potential costs, etc I would be looking at. Thanks for any advice.

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CFI/CFII/MEI here (though I'm sure I'll be reminded shortly that I work at Applebee's).

If you're simply looking to have a bit of fun, you can get a Private certificate in single-engine aircraft for $5,000-$7,000 at most flight schools. The actual cost is going to depend on a few factors, mostly your aptitude for flying the aircraft, as well as your schedule. If you're only flying 1-2 times a week, expect to pay closer to $7,000. But, if you pick up on the maneuvers quickly and have a good feel for the airplane, you can bring your costs down. Also, if you opt to learn to fly in something like a Cessna 152, your costs will drop. Moral of the story: The cost depends on you.

I echo a lot of what LAGmaniac says about the books, though I prefer good ol' fashioned FAA materials over any Jepp or Machado stuff. Jepp makes great approach plates and IFR low-enroute charts, and that's about all I use them for. Their books are entirely too expensive for the information you get. Go pick up the FAA's Airplane Flying Handbook, and the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Depending on your instructor, he/she may want you to use them anyways.

Good luck, and feel free to PM me if you have questions.