Complete Chess Player by Fred Reinfeld. This book was given to me by my Aunt. At that time I couldn't come close of beating my father in a game. Also at my H.S. I couldn't beat my friend to play on the 5th board. I didn't know any books that explain the reason behind moves. Most books start explaining after the 8th or 9th move, about that time I'm about mated...lol. after I study that book during my summer vacation my father weren't able to beat nor my friend at school. Also I change from opening with 1.e4 to 1.d4 playing the Colle System (Stone Wall variation).

The Amateur Mind by J.Silman. I actually got two books at the same time, the 2nd was My life and games by Mikhail Tal. Both of the books and authors are well know, probably a very common choice. When I got these books I did not know much about chess, but when you start to know a little bit more about chess, you begin to know what sort of book you want next.

 

When it came to buying my first book/s, I decided that an instructional one (Amateurs mind) combined with a games collection (Tal's) would work as a good learning combination, and I think, for me, it worked.

 

The next time I buy a book/s I think I will do the same. I've got my eye on My System by Aron Nimzowitsch and Alekhine's best games. By that point I will own 4 chess books, wow! How much do you need to have before you have a library?

Another great book!  It seems like you can only learn so much from people who are no better than you.  A good book definitely takes it to the next level.

Play Winning Chess, by Yasser Sierawan, was my first book.  Like you, I experienced the same results via the various diagrams, exercises & tests.  It really changed my mindset from how I originally approached the game.  Before this book, I already knew the basics...the value of pieces & how they move, importance of pawn structure, etc., but not strategy play.  Yasser Seirawan's books really contributed in educating me of the strengths and weaknesses of each piece (including the lowly pawn), and to play strong offenses, counter-plays, & sacrifices rather than defensively.

I had to learn through the actual experience of being repeatedly beat down that a good defense is a strong offense.  And lastly, you can't play strictly textbook.  An expert or master will already know your move before you make it.

 ~The Doctor