[Danierux]

I use Colloquial Japanese as my book reference. It slowly introduces kanji, explains grammar points in depth. Has lots of reading writing practice, and overall I think it almost the best complete package. I would recommend you use a few resources if self studying. This is what i currently use.

-Colloquial Japanese
-Pimsleur Japanese
-Numerous websites
-I also go to a japanese class once a week which helps greatly