For sure the books help out. If you want to get a basic ABC understanding of poker then you should definitely get a few poker books. You will have to learn general concepts like pot odds and counting outs and stuff.

They're actually a massive scam and teach you nothing. But keep it quiet.

If you want to learn multiple types of poker I would recommend the poker players bible by Lou Krieger. its good for how to play and strategy for most types of poker.

After that experience is best. I like super systems as well but for RAW beginners who have never played definitely TPPB.

Poker math is fairly elementary. Online all you really need is an odds calculator and you are golden. Live, all you need to know is how to multiply and divide percentages. The remaining 80% is all psychology.

If you're going to get any book, get Super System. It has an entire chapter of poker statistics that you can memorize and you won't really need to do many calculations at the table. Another good book is Phil Hellmuth's Play Poker Like the Pros. This will teach you basic strategy and stress the importance of playing a Tight-Aggressive game.

Im not sure if Super System is "the best" book to read. Although it is good I have found (as I think most people will agree) that it is not as relevant in todays online poker world as it was a few years ago (same for live games). I think it's ok to read as a beginner, but not to be studied as to live by its teachings. If you really want to study poker theory in depth then you should pick up some Sklansky (sp) books, and Dan Harrington's got some great stuff out as well (Im just about to start reading his latest book myself).