Knitting Rules by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (2006, Paperback)

I was just beginning to learn to knit, and was getting frustrated when an acquaintance suggested this as a "must read." The writer's style is very lighthearted and personable, and easy to read. This is not so much a how-to as it is a conversation about knitting and knitters, with amusing anecdotes that made me feel much less alone in my frustration, and gave me hope that I too would get past my mistakes. It also, however, gave some very good basic tips on some basic stitches and projects, which actually helped me greatly in my first attempt at a hat.

The writer's love of knitting comes through clearly, and she made me feel like I'd joined a big insiders' club. I'm sure this book would speak to experienced knitters as well, whom would relate to the foibles she describes, but I would absolutely recommend it to beginners; she makes an excellent cheerleader. I will read her other books as well.