Learning Sign Language (ASL)?

I am very intrigued by learning sign language.

I learned the alphabet very quickly (10 mins. using video).

So, I want to start learning words and phrases.

My questions about it are:

1) From an experienced signer- how actually hard is it to learn?

2) Is it possible to fully teach yourself from the aid of a video or book (book preferred)? When I say “fully” I don’t mean every word there is to know- just the basics and more.

3) Any tips on memorization? I have always been quite good at memorizing things (does that affect the learning process?).

Any tips in general are great!

I am a sophomore in high school and no classes are offered and getting a teacher is not an option.

I would like to say I want to learn it for fun but, I would love to learn it to help children with hearing disabilities in the future.

Thank you for your help.
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I am interested in learning sign language. Would it be worthwhile to teach myself from a book?

There are no teaching services in my area that I take classes for or anything similar to that. I know that there are books for sale on learning signing, but how good are they?
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