Tom Venuto: Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle
Detailed info on healthy nutrition, goal-setting and motivation, the basics of weight-training, and cardio for fat loss. If you could have just one volume on getting lean, this is it.

Ian King, Lou Schuler: Men's Health The Book of Muscle
Terrific guide to weight training for both sexes. High-quality photos, innovative exercises as well as standard fare, good background in laymen's language.

Lou Schuler: The New Rules of Lifting for Women: Lift Like a Man, Look Like a Goddess
Tells women what they need to know about lifting weights: their workouts should be heavy and intense, just like a guy’s.

Barbara J. Rolls: The Volumetrics Weight-Control Plan : Feel Full on Fewer Calories
The science of satiety. This book teaches real-world portion control and how to make healthful, filling choices.