i would suggest Play the Ruy Lopez by Andrew Greet, Play the French 3rd Edition by John Watson and Starting Out The Sicilian 2nd Edition by John Emms.
Though i still don't have the play the ruy lopez and starting out the sicilian 2nd edition but it has a nice review and will surely buy it if it's available here in our country.
I agree with fierychess. The "Everyman Chess" books that are entitled "Starting Out:..." are easy to understand and give you a good feel for the different responses to e4. I love to play the French as black. In my rather novice opinion, you just need to learn the goal or point of these defences. Once you know that, the moves your opponent plays won't be a surprise.
So I was playing in a club match last night. I've just started playing club chess and blundered horribly against the French; out of habit more than anything I played 1. e4. I've been thinking a lot lately about my opening repetoire, and I think I'll stick to my guns and stay as a 1.e4 player. I have a modicum of knowledge about it, whereas I have none whatsoever about 1. d4. I've just bought a book about the King's Indian Attack, but I need best book recommendations for:
1. The Ruy Lopez
2. The French
3. The Sicilian
If you please. Thank you.