Reddit reviews The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet: *All You Need to Know to Crochet *The Essential Reference for Novice and Expert Crocheters *Comprehensive Guide ... *Packed with Hundreds of Tips and Ideas

I love this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Photo-Guide-Crochet-Comprehensive/dp/1589234723

The only downside is that I wasn't a big fan of the directions for basic stitches, but they have a lot of different stitches with written directions and visual directions. Not a lot of patterns to make things though.

This one, The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet by Margaret Hubert, is big and very useful not just because it has pictures, but each stitch or grouping has both written and chart instructions all together. It also has a few different patterns. Not affiliated, just appreciate this book when teaching because learning styles do vary. It's an old favorite. I do not have the 2nd Edition, just original.
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Photo-Guide-Crochet-Comprehensive/dp/1589234723?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=1589234723

Pattern is "Pine Trees" from A Complete Photo Guide to Crochet - link

It is cool to be able to customize your projects. I love the diagrams with the symbols, too. Great to reference when patterns are poorly written/explained!

This is the one I have, but there are other good ones, too.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1589234723/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1374458876&sr=8-3&pi=SL75

Once you get going I found this book to be awesome for inspiration. The patterns come with diagrams which is what really finally taught me where my stitches go. Plus, all the different stitches are wonderful for simple projects like scarves and blankets.