Welcome to the board. I can't recommend any literature, as I don't own any. I hear mostly three names - Perlman, Shanken, and for isom's especially, Min Ron Nee.

Sounds like you've made some good cigar choices already. I like the 858s, but not those curly heads.

Look for Toranos - the site owner here sells them - Camino Viejo. And, definitely try some Padrons. the 1000 series are great, inexpensive smokes, and the Anniversary series are excellent.