Another vote for the BH&G cookbook. I have the one I got when I got married, the newer Pink plaid one, and inherited my mom's copy. The BH&G Grilling book is also excellent, especially if you're learning how to grill.
I also am a big fan of anything by Alton Brown, any of the Southern Living books,
Taste of Home, the
Junior League Centennial Cookbook, and
Pioneer Woman Cooks (her website is awesome too!)
My dream is to either clear out a kitchen cabinet for cookbooks or maybe have cookbook shelves installed one day. I love to read and collect cookbooks.