How can I get a broad overview of the world of electronics?
Get the Art of Electronics, by Horowitz &amp; Hill. Don't wait for the third edition, just get the second edition. Any decent bookshop should have it.

http://frank.harvard.edu/aoe/ 

It's fun and easy to read, gives an unparalleled overview of basic electronics, and most importantly for you ties it all together so you know where everything fits.