I used "Quilting - the Basics and Beyond" by Jeri Simon. It has clear and practical color illustrations - even some left-handed ones!!! - and it stays open on the table because it is ring-bound inside the hard covers. It has some nice little projects in the back but I haven't tried them as I would rather flub up on my own and then search the Board for videos and tutes.

Not that you asked... but my advice to a beginning quilter is - don't try to take it all in at once! Let each quilt be something new to learn and don't be afraid to explore and try things. I pull out and redo my mistakes - things I can correct on the second round most of the time - but I've learned to accept my skill level and seek to improve it over the long term, and I get a lot of joy from the process.

My son might say that's his golf philosophy LOL!

I like the dummie books. Quilting is for Dummies. That and the idiot books lay it all out very simply. I think they are a good addition to the more professional beginner quilting books. My first quilt is from a block out of the Dummie book.

"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.

Log Cabin by E. Burns

I think after you decide on a how to quilt book - I think you should put in a sampler book that includes directions on how to put your blocks together.
Then put in an Elm Creek Quilters novel. Great books to read.
Just my idea

Yes, and don't forget a link to this site! She may do more looking than quilting, like me!

This is my go to book, and I have been quilting for years. It covers everything and has pictures to help.

The It's Okay to Sit on My Quilt Book.

My first book and still a favorite is ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CLASSIC QUILT PATTERNS presented by Leisure Arts. I can spend an afternoon just looking through it!

I found Quilting 101 to be the most helpful. It's a yellow, hard-back cover with lots of little beginner projects to help a new quilter get started. It runs about $24.95, but with a 40% off coupon from J/A's, it's very affordable.