How to Brew: Everything You Need to Know to Brew Beer Right the First Time Book

Of the two books that were recommended to me (Papazian's The Complete Joy of Homebrewing , and Palmer's How to Brew ), this is the one that "clicked" the best with me. Whereas Papazian's approach was colloquial and laid-back, Palmer is a bit more methodical and scientific. This isn't to say that Papazian doesn't know his stuff, nor that he isn't scientific at all, but rather that it's more conversational and somehow that makes it harder to pull out the information that I felt I needed as a "what's a wort?"-stage beginner.

That being said: I found myself repeating Papazian's "don't worry...have a homebrew" mantra to myself every time Palmer started going deep on yeast starters or hop varieties but (but) if I had to pick only one then I'd pick Palmer. (But since I don't have to pick only one, I'll recommend both.)