I'm not familiar with growlers...I googled it and it looks like it's only a gallon-and-a-half...and not always glass...so I'm not sure exactly what you're talking about. But the carboy I'm thinking of (pictured below) is a 5-gallon glass bottle that's just like a 5-gallon water bottle (which are now usually plastic). You'll want something about 5 gallons and glass is easier to sanitize than plastic. Plastic works fine, especially when new and there are no scratches, but glass is just easier in the long run IMO.
emmasdad is right...if there is a local supplier they should steer you right.
I forgot to mention the
Super System of homebrewing (aka homebrewers bible)...
The Complete Joy of Homebrewing by Charlie Papazian. It came out in '84 and; similar to
Super System, was one of only a few 'good' books on the subject.
EDIT: Oh yea...wort kinda stinks. If you make it inside your house it's gonna stink up the whole place. It's best to use one of those gas turkey fryers so you can do it outdoors BUT do not use an uncoated aluminum pot...the yeast (added later) doesn't like it at all and your beer won't fully ferment. If it's aluminum it has to be coated (like that enamel stuff)...stainless is best but boocoo $$$.
