I love cooking, but because my mom is too much of a bimbo and my dad too much of a “manly man” to ever step into the kitchen, I never had the chance to learn from them. I grew up on delivery, takeout, eating out, and the incredible food made by the amazing woman who cooks for our family. I became deeply interested in cooking at the start of my teenage years and taught myself through the internet, books, that same woman, and other relatives.
Joy is the Bible, but I’d never offer it to someone as a starting point.
Yes, it does “start from the start”, but finding the start with it is overwhelming.
Today I’d recommend watching America’s Test Kitchen (especially the old stuff) and getting their cook book, as it’s a LOT more approachable, and they explain the how’s and why’s of the recipes.
Good Eats is also a good watch for learning how things work.
Funny thing. I moved into my own place and that was the book I had. I found it easy to use. otoh, I could already cook a bit, things like cinnamon toast and fried eggs.