I had Roman Pelts and Lev Alburt's book on a possible list for a while. I picked up volume 2 after seeing it recommended in a chess.com video by Daniel Ransch on "Achieving full board awareness". I was looking for a book on visualization of the chessboard; some endgame tactics; and principles behind the moves. Visualization helps with calculation. I'm happy with the book as it explains the why of principles.
Volume 1 is a very basic chess study book, good for people just learning the game (I didn't get it).
Volume 2 refreshes some of what is in volume 1. I skipped over the basic things and got into the analysis of positions and games.
A good chess book is one that suits where you are in your journey of discovery. Sometimes an author writes in a way that suits your learning and sometimes it doesn't work for you.
Volume 1 covers the rules of chess, how the pieces move. He also asked you a lot of questions about the chess board which you shy be able to answer with out looking at the board. Like how to move a knight from a1 to e5 in the fewest moves possible. What color is the square d6, if you had to stop and think about it then you don't know the board and you need to read the book.