Whether a book is centered on using a pick or not is immaterial. Learn how to play properly with a pick, and it's up to you whether you want to play the book with or without a pick.
BTW, if you have arthritis, I strongly suggest learning Carol Kaye's pick method. You can go to her website
www.carolkaye.com and look under her player's tips and watch videos of her playing to learn how. I used to get horrible hand pains when I'd play with a pick after about 30 seconds. After learning her method, I can play all night.
Just don't post in her forum. If you do, you run the risk of losing all respect for her because she is a cranky old lady. I still respect her greatly (despite her Motown controversy), but if I ever had any more communication with her, I think you'd find me dangling from a rope.
