Ubuntu Pocket Guide and Reference by Keir Thomas is a great book for the beginners as it covers a wide range of topics needed for everyday Ubuntu use. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to install or try Ubuntu.
Look at the table of contents to see why it could be so useful for the new Ubuntu users:
- Installing Ubuntu
- Configuring Ubuntu
- Getting to grips with the desktop
- Users and the filesystem
- Hands-on at the command-line
- Software management
- Securing the system
Give it a try and read it online at Google Books or download free PDF version from ubuntupocketguide.com.
It is a really nice piece of work so buy a book or consider making a donation.