I learned to crochet over the summer, but I don't know how to read the patterns?

I taught myself to crochet from a simple pattern book. Look for a book that has an index of all of the abbreviations in it, like...sc (single crochet) dc (double crochet), tc ( triple crochet) etc. Look for a book with the illustrations for each one too. I practiced some of the harder, prettier stitches on afghans and scarves. Happy crocheting! My family loves everything I make for them and what I know is not so complicated looks impossible to them! Ha!