How can a total, complete beginner read source code?
There is no magic way to learn anything without reading and writing code yourself. If you get stuck there are always folks in SO who will help you.
I am a complete, total beginner in programming, although I do have knowledge of CSS and HTML.
I would like to learn Python. I downloaded lots of source code but the amount of files and the complexity really confuses me. I don't know where to begin. Is there a particular order I should look for?
Thanks.
EDIT: Sorry guys, I forgot to mention that I already have both the online tutorial and a couple of books handy. I basically I don't quite understand how to "dismantle" and understand complex source code, in order to grasp programming techniques and concepts. 
EDIT2: Thanks for the extremely quick comments, guys. I really appreciate it. This website is awesome.