Please recommend a book for beginners on basic photography

Once you read this book, I would suggest his book on flash photography.  

I just posted some quick pictures of my layout on the weekend photo fun.  I just used a tripod and did not use flash.  My photos were flat and did not have any depth.  At this point, I am more interested in advancing my layout.  Once I do, I'll set up lighting to take the pix.  A flash would give directional lighting and give the sense of a "sun" for your layout.  Shadows provide depth and texture that make your images look much better.  That's why I suggest the second book.    

Good luck.  Photography is another great hobby.