"Perfect Piecing" by Karen Costello Soltys (Rodale's Successful Quilting Library) a series. This book has many experts in the quilting field contributing to each chapter, all arranged in paragraph form with a photo for nearly every paragraph. It really covers so many important tips & pointers for a beginner to intermediate quilter. It is very readable in short bits, due to the layout, & not overwhelming to a newbie. It is not a pattern book.
I agree with 'SueSew', try something small at first, maybe a pillow (or hotpads, mugrugs), learn a little as you go, be forgiving of your learning curve & enjoy the discovery.