u guys do see that this thread is 7 years old? :D
true... but this is a timeless question! the very best to comment on page after page, since there's really no "right" answer...
I think its also going well-- since most of the answers are from books rather than mere opinions.
but... books only go so far. teachers and coaches aren't in unison on what are good openings to consider and exactly how to best learn it.
so despite the thought that maybe we can get beyond opinion I don't really think we can; and my opinion is clear. I never saw a MCO,like book that I thought would be of any use to a patzer like me- and I don't think I understand enough chess to get alot out of a running though many games in a big chessbase database.
its in playing games that the consequences of the opening are clear... and I like to play the first several moves against a saitek chess omputer to see what can happen- once I lose material or get into a bad spot, I stop and try another variation...
I also like videos; in many the commentor makes an effort to explain the opening and what one opponent is trying to do when he plays a given opening.
"For players with very limited experience, I recommend using openings in which the play can be clarified at an early stage, often with a degree of simplification. ... you will have to get used to playing with open lines for both sides' pieces ... teachers all over the world suggest that inexperienced players begin with 1 e4. ... Of course, you can also play 1 d4 ... A solid and more-or-less universal set-up is 2 Nf3 and 3 Bf4, followed in most cases by 4 e3, 5 Be2 and 6 0-0. I'd rather see my students fight their way through open positions instead; however, if you're not getting out of the opening alive after 1 e4, this method of playing 1 d4 deserves consideration. ... a commonly suggested 'easy' repertoire for White with 1 Nf3 and the King's indian Attack ... doesn't lead to an open game or one with a clear plan for White. Furthermore, it encourages mechanical play. Similarly, teachers sometimes recommend the Colle System ..., which can also be played too automatically, and usually doesn't lead to an open position. For true beginners, the King's Indian Attack and Colle System have the benefit of offering a safe position that nearly guarantees passage to some kind of playable middlegame; they may be a reasonable alternative if other openings are too intimidating. But having gained even a small amount of experience, you really should switch to more open and less automatic play." - IM John Watson in a section of his 2010 book, Mastering the Chess Openings Vol. 4