As far as beginners books go, by far the best one I've read is:

Understanding Orchids: An Uncomplicated Guide to Growing the World's Most Exotic Plants
by William Cullina

Alternatively, another one I like is:

Orchids: Care and Cultivation
by Gerald Leroy-Terquem & Jean Parisot

The latter is not as comprehensive as the former, but it is still a good beginners book. But, given a choice between the two, I would suggest the first one...

If you end up getting one of these, let me know what you think of it...