Your question isnt dense at all - I had no idea early on either. Rice is fine, if you are eating any take away you just want it to be as fresh as possible- so if you know your friends own it you should be fine. I would steer clear of seafood early on though.

As far as books go - I would recommend Up the Duff for great info and a lighthearted read, and What to Expect when you are expecting - which is kind of a bible of info on everything. My copy was a double with What to Eat When you are Expecting but I have to say I havent read much of that - just the what not to!! Heres a quick list for you too!!
No: soft or blue cheese (brie.camembert), pates, shellfish, deli meats and salads (you dont know how long they have been sitting) raw meat and eggs (cooked are fine) and liver. Basically anything fresh is fine and anything heated to over 75 degrees(hot!!) is fine as it kills listeria.
Gosh sorry about that, hope its not info overload - and good luck!!