its definitely suitable for beginners, but only those who put in the practice. often beginners expect to pick up and perfect quick, but its not like that. it requires some restraint to get good.
texts like bobos and rrtcm are suggested for a reason. its because theyre ideal to learn the fundementals.
there are some moves which can be transferred to other close-up items, and theories of them which require a little work to use else where (for example a poke chip is a alot like a coin, though cards are thin and flexible, sponges have their own unique properties, etc, so there are 'sleightly' (couldnt resist) different ways of doing the most common moves for each. but then a wine glass or cigarette is going to be tricky (again i apologise

) without the correct type of handling!
for cards id recommend rrtcm, still great, followed by expert card technique (or the card college series if moneys not an issue), and maybe complete course in close-up if you want some general close-up handling.
regarding the last book, i have not read it myself, but have seen it recommended numerous times. like i said though, theres a reason these books are and have lasted
joel