Joy is the Bible, but I'd never offer it to someone as a starting point.

Yes, it does "start from the start", but finding the start with it is overwhelming.

Today I'd recommend watching America's Test Kitchen (especially the old stuff) and getting their cook book, as it's a LOT more approachable, and they explain the how's and why's of the recipes.

Good Eats is also a good watch for learning how things work.