For a "first" book...I like Mary Greer's
Tarot of Your Self.
There are many others...those that come with decks (I don't mean the Little White Books). Greer is richer in discussion, although I do like Bunning's rendering of the Celtic Cross Spread and how she takes each position page by page.
Best advice....read beginning page here at AT with articles for beginners:
http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/
I have read and re-read much of this.
Then, familiarize yourself with the cards...somehow...look at them, pull a card for yourself...you must work with your intuition from the outset.
Read a lot here at Aeclectic....you can spend hours and get what you will never get in a book on a particular topic or card or deck or tradition.
Then, remember, it all takes time. It is a process.
Write in a small journal what comes to you when you meditate on a card.
I have at least 50 books I have purchased over the past year...and yes, I have read a number of them, discarded some completely, refer to others, but there is no one book that you can "rely" on other than the one within.
Look at the High Priestess/La Papesse. That book she holds has all of the secrets and if we ask, it shall be revealed to us as we go along and as we become ready to learn.
You will want to become familiar with some of the suit interpretations and number meanings. There are a number of systems. Read here and you will find what works for you.
Just enjoy!! That's the main thing.
terri