Good Reading

[Karena Shannon]

Jen,
The easiest way for you to improve your sensory perception is to taste widely. Either find a retailer, or visit wineries, or get involved with a tasting group and taste a lot of wines; improving one's sense of smell isn't something you can pick up from a book. A contraption called an "aroma wheel" can help you put names to smells, most wineries should have one, or be able to direct you to a place that does.
As far as books go, Jerry's given you some great choices. I'd simply add the book, "Wine for Dummies," as an excellent guide for the novice to intermediate taster.
(Hint: by the time you blow out the binding on it, you'll be ready for the Oxford Companion...)
Hope this helped,