I think the only manual I've ever read cover to cover was the one for my 550D. My previous cameras were all fully manual 35mm, so there wasn't much I didn't understand about the principles. Your 600D has a lot of features a lot to help you get the images you want, but it does take a while to get your head round it. Start simple, then change and experiment with one thing at a time so you see for yourself how it all works. Look forward to a long learning curve but one that's great fun. And as has been said, don't get hung up on what some people say about manual mode. Unless you're into astrophotography it's not obligatory, but always look at what settings the camera wants to use, then once you start getting the hang of it you can decide if you want to change the settings and how you're going to do it.