My first thought for you is Logical Chess: Move by Move.
http://www.amazon.com/Logical-Chess-Every-Explained-Algebraic/dp/0713484640
Inexpensive, time-tested, right for your level, most chess.com members agree that it's a good one.
I'll let others recommend more good books (of which there are plenty).
Dude, I told you in one of our earlier games--when you attack, you have to have more minor pieces involved. Prevailing chess wisdom is 3 plus (Source: "The Wisest Things ever said about Chess"). I may regret saying this, but you usually attack or threaten w/only 1-2 pieces.
One good chess primer that covers everything is The Complete Idiot's Guide to Chess by Patrick Wolff.
If you prefer a "workbook" type of approach to learning things, then Comprehensive Chess Course, Volume II, by Lev Alburt could be helpful. (Volume I only covers the rules.)
In addition, renowned chess teacher Dan Heisman has a long list of recommended chess books, sorted by player's skill level, on his website: http://danheisman.home.comcast.net/~danheisman/Events_Books/General_Book_Guide.htm
I would check this out, it is a fantastic title. You can get it for under $15 delivered.
As Bobby Fischer once said "Ideas, I never study moves." This is a good primer on the underlying ideas in chess. Do NOT start off your chess career by studying openings. Start off by understanding what the goals of chess are, and then the opening study will have meaning, and will be more helpful.
I am of modest skill, but if you would like me to look over any games and analyse them, just send em my way.
Well, I played a lot of chess in high school, and I've just recently picked up the game again (over the past couple months).
One thing I've realized is that I'm not very good :-) (You can see based on my previous games)
I'd like to pick up a book that teaches basic strategy.
I picked up "How to Reasess Your Chess 4th Edition" but as that is primarily for players who have a 1400 ranking and above, I think I need something that will teach me some more basic strategy (especially openings and early game strategy).
I've got myself in early trouble in a lot of games because my opening move structure was very poor and easily attacked.
Thanks in advance for your opinions.