As someone who has dabbled, I have to recommend the "Business Card sized Raytracer"[0]. Learning how it worked, modifying it, trying to make it faster or sharper, display different shapes, etc. may serve to whet one's appetite on the subject.

First thing I recommend is trying to get it to show your name[1] instead of the original authors initials.

[0] - http://fabiensanglard.net/rayTracing_back_of_business_card/

[1] - http://lelandbatey.com/anim07.gif