First chess book?

Hi, I'm a complete beginner to chess. I know the moves but I've only played a handful of games throughout my life and never really took it seriously, but I am willing to put in the work to improve. I'm 17 by the way. I think my rating is around 500-600 at the moment. I was recommended "The right way to play chess" by one person and "The complete idiot's guide to chess" by another. Should I get both or would you recommend one over the other?

Looking forward to your replies!

I'm glad that you want to be a chess payer. Becoming a good one takes time and a lot of patients. The very 1st book I ever read was Bobby Fischer teaches chess. This book you don't need a chessboard to read this book. All the  diagrams are there for  you to view. I was aa bout 13/14. This book you read like a regular book and when you  get to the end and you turn the book upside down and go the opposite way back. It's a good book to get started. Also get a good opening book and endgame book. But start  with the Bobby Fischer book. Play a lot of chess; r ead and study a lot. In time you will get better in time. There's another good book for a beginner is: Chess Tactis how to in. By CHad Chersterman. You can get this book on Amazon. Good Luck to you. You will with playing practice win and lose games. Don't let it bother you. Just rack up the pins and bowl another strike. Hang in there. Everything will come in time.  John Moyer

I too recommend "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Chess." It is one of the best introductory texts out there. Lots and lots of diagrams, chapters that introduce every aspect of the game, and suggestions as to how to move on after you've finished the book. Money well spent.

Chess For Dummies. Despite the title, I found it quite informative when I started out. Both the Complete Idiot's Guide to Chess and Chess For Dummies are good reads. You should hit up your local library, chances are both can be found there.

Thanks everyone, I will definitely have a look at the books that were recommended if I can find them in the library. Just one more question: I keep hearing that Bobby fischer teaches chess only got popular because people thought it was written by Bobby Fischer. Is this true? Is the book actually good? It just looks like a bunch of puzzles (which I can get online easily)

The idiots guide is really good for beginner.  So is Bobby Fisher teaches chess.