🚀 go-pugleaf

First, you should learn chess notation asap.  It is absolutely
essential if you expect to improve.  You will need to learn
both systems of notation, the descriptive (or English) and
the algebraic.  

As far as a good book, I highly recommend "Bobby Fischer Teaches
Chess."  It is a compendium of chess problems, mostly back-rank
mates.  Some may scoff, but I consider it a great book (pb) for a
beginner.  Unfortunately, I can't think of any other titles
offhand.  Several authors come to mind, though: Irving Chernev,
Fred Reinfeld, I.A. Horowitz, Raul Capablanca (Chess Fundamentals,
or some such title, is a classic), and Aaron Nimzovitz.

Finally, I urge you to become a member of the United States Chess
Federation, if you are not already a member.  There are three big
benefits of membership: (1) You get Chess Life.  From time to time
there are articles geared to the beginner.  And even if you are no
expert, you can still learn a lot from the annoted games.  (2) You
get to play in rated tournaments.  After all, there is no better
way to improve than to play.  (3) You get a discount on a variety
of equipment, including books.  

I suggest you visit your local library and get some of the back
issues of CL.  In particular, look at the November issue.  It has
a catalog in it, and there may be some suggestions as to good books
for beginners.  It will also tell you where to write for more info.

Well, I hope this has been of some help.  Good luck, and may all
your pawns becomes Queens!