Reading Guide to AI design, neural networks, etc.

Raistlin84 writes: "I'm a PhD student in theoretical physics, but recently I got quite interested in AI design. During my high school days I spend most of my spare time coding various stuff, so I've a good working knowledge of the most important application programming languages (C/C++, Pascal/Delphi, Assembler) and how a computer works internally. Recently I was gifted the book "On Intelligence" where Jeff Hawkins describes numerous interesting ideas how to actually design a brain. As I have no formal background in computer science, I would like to broaden my knowledge in the direction of neural networks, pattern recognition etc. but do not really know where to start reading. Due to my background I figure that the "abstract" theory would be mostly suited for me, so I would like to ask for a few book suggestions or other directions."