Nothing embarrassing here. 1st gen prices ARE crazy! You have to be picky and look at a lot. I am dead serious, you really need to go look at all these local ones! By seeing what is out there and seeing the rust piles, you will be able to recognize the prize when you finally find it.
What books? I find most of the "how to restore your Camaro" type books are just fluff. I have one of those, its yours real cheap!