Hi Mabel, welcome to the board!
I can't answer your question specifically but I find a lot of books useless as well.
I'm a visual learner and depend on Missouri Star Quilt Company videos (fantastic) and Youtube, along with fellow quilters, classes etc.
Not much help for you but a big WELCOME!! I need to tell my cat,Mabel, that I now know another Mabel LOL :D:D