As for openings, they tend to be the least important, and something you can study last. For now just be sure you know the principals:
https://www.chess.com/article/view/the-principles-of-the-opening
Books for basic/intermediate players(?
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IMO the 5 basic areas are: openings, strategy, tactics, endgames, and annotated game collection.
Most amateurs don't bother studying each area. If you're under 1600, maybe even under 2000, improvement can be as simple as picking one of the areas you haven't given serious study to yet.
Anyway here are some books for an inexperienced player who knows some basics. 4 books probably seems like a lot, but don't get all 4, just get one and you'll definitely improve. Usually tactics is a good place to start.
Tactics:
https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Chess-Tactics-Everyman/dp/1857443861
Endgame:
https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Chess-Endings-Everyman/dp/1857443489
Strategy:
https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Chess-Strategy-Ludek-Pachman/dp/0486202909
Annotated game collection:
https://www.amazon.com/Masters-Chessboard-21st-Century-Richard/dp/1936490218