I wonder how can we strengthen our relation with him and get ready for the reappearance? is there any books you recommend for starters?

Main thing is to do the obligations and to stay away from forbidden acts. To prepare for his reappearance by doing community work and Serving others, and establishing organisations and institutions to spread Islam and Shiasm as well as humanitarian work.

These two books are good

https://www.al-islam.org/shiite-encyclopedia/last-luminary

https://www.al-islam.org/al-imam-al-mahdi-just-leader-humanity-ibrahim-amini