I like Frob's choice. Sklansky does write an excellent book to teach you advanced theories. I read it once when I first started years ago. It was to deep for a beginner. They just won't truly understand some of the concepts. I've reread it a couple of times since, and it made a lot more sense each time. lol.
So I'd have to say it's in my top 5, but not my favorite.
I like st's pick of SSII. I think it's a good book for a beginner & an intermediate. Re-read it. You'll get a lot more out of it. I like SSI a lil more, cuz it has the limit section with Bobby Baldwin. But the NLHE section with DB teaches a lot about the aggression of poker. So decent beginner read.(I read this section. Went into a cash game .10/.25 on poker room with $8 got it up to $60 and left with $20. In about 15 min. LMAO
) Again, not my favorite but a top 5.
I personally dig "Poker Wisdom of a Champion" by DB. Favorite
It talks about his experiences. He gives this one example of when he needs to change gears in a game. He thinks back to when he first learned to drive a stick. He did'nt have second as he put it. So it was either first or third. So that's what he tells himself at the table to make himself change gears. "1st or 3rd Doyle." It's the advice he's probably give ya if ya sat down at his house and had a drink.
That would be for intermediate/advanced players.
Another great book, just for a general read is "Hunting Fish". Yes, it's a poker book.
I think for beginning players. Harrington on Holdem Vol1. It starts with the basics, and works it's way into a more advanced style of thinking, and does'nt exclude HAG from the thinking.