I read the first Mass Effect book. It gives you the story of the mission that got Capt. Anderson removed from the Spectres. It's recapped by Anderson if you talk to him in the game. I just thought it was neat they linked up the stories of both novel and game so closely. I should probably read the other books too. I've read all the comics which are excellent. The first one deals with Liara and her dealings with the Shadow Broker and Cerebus.
After one and 1/4 playthroughs, I'm still not comfortable with the combat, but I think if I play again not as an engineer, I'll have access to more weapons and can do more. I've got to figure out the special skills too. I think I managed to hack one robot that was attacking me the other day. Aim and hit "X" I think.