If there was an FAQ of chess questions this would be near the top of the list. Many people here have a favorite. This is a chance to make a case for your book of choice. I am nominating books that I know people have recommended, but of course you can choose another.
In this context I am defining "Novice" to mean a player who knows the rules and does not routinely accidentally lose pieces because they are left unguarded when under attack, but does not have a USCF or other national over-the-board classification higher than Class C.
Nominations in alphabetical order by author.
Alburt, Lev - Secrets of the Russian Chess Masters, Book 1: Fundamentals of the Game
Bronstein, David - The Modern Chess Self-Tutor
Chernev, Irving - Logical Chess Move by Move
Heisman, Dan - A Guide to Chess Improvement: The Best of Novice Nook
Lasker, Emanuel - Manual of Chess
Nimzovich, Aron - My System
Pandolfini, Bruce - Pandolfini's Ultimate Guide to Chess
Purdy, C. J.S - The Chess Gospel According to John; or others
Reinfeld, Fred -- Complete Chess Course; or others
Seirawan, Yasser - Winning Chess, Openings; or others in the series
Silman, Jeremy - The Amateur's Mind
Tarrasch, Siegbert - The Game of Chess
I will state my preference when i select the best answer from among those who explain their choice.
Added (1). Whoops. I was afraid I might omit some important book that was one of my favorites, and I did. The nominations are hereby reopened to include:
Capablanca, Jose - Chess Fundamentals
>>> What is the best chess book for novices? And why? A survey?