My new Arduino book is out this month - "Arduino Workshop".
If you're beginning with Arduino and not keen on using Internet tutorials, would like an off-line reference of sorts, or a gift for someone to get them started - check it out.
Aimed at the total novice, it takes them from blinking LEDs right through to Internet, wireless, RFID and more. Index, contents and sample chapter available here: Arduino Workshop, 2nd Edition | No Starch Press
It's available from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Arduino-Workshop-Hands--Introduction-Projects/dp/1593274483
or directly from the publisher in hard copy and ebook formats: Arduino Workshop, 2nd Edition | No Starch Press
Cheers
John