>>865215the best guides are region specific. On the off chance you're from northern california, I can personally recommend Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast (Schwarz and Siegel) and California Mushrooms: The Comprehensive Identification Guide (Desjardin, Wood, and Stevens).
Probably the most popular pocket guide for north america is 'All That the Rain Promises and More', which is very good but far from complete. For the total novice, I would recommend ATTRPAM or a good, region-specific guide.
Even better than a book is joining a local club or society-- you will learn more from a day in the field with an experienced hunter than a month alone with a book.
Something I usually tell to novice mushroom hunters:
>There are no simple rules to follow. Try to learn both edible and poisonous mushrooms, it could save your life or someone else's. 