In short: for the core teachings read What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula. To learn meditation read Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana. For Zen read Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki. For everyday mindfulness try The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh.
A starter shelf
- What the Buddha Taught (Walpola Rahula): the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path in plain language.
- Mindfulness in Plain English (Bhante Gunaratana): a practical meditation manual.
- The Miracle of Mindfulness (Thich Nhat Hanh): short, warm guidance for daily life.
- Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (Shunryu Suzuki): talks on Zen practice.
Free reading
Read the suttas themselves: best suttas for beginners · Buddhist glossary.
Practice: Buddhist meditation for beginners · how to become a Buddhist
Questions people ask
What is the best first Buddhist book?
What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula is a widely recommended clear introduction to the core teachings.
Which book is best for learning to meditate?
Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana is a practical, readable guide to vipassana meditation.
Which book suits Zen beginners?
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki is a classic collection of talks on Soto Zen.