If you are just getting into knitting, I highly recommend "Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook" by Debbie Stoller.

It explains the basics in an easy to understand and entertaining way. There are also great patterns for newbies to try out. This book helped me get back into knitting after not knitting for about 20 years.

And of course, once you master the basics, her next book "Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting" is awesome, too. It explains how to do lace, fair isle, and intarsia, while avoiding common mistakes. Better looking end products and less headaches along the way - as Martha would say "It's a good thing!".