The most important thing is to just play a few openings as white. Defend against e4, d4, and (optional) c4 as black and have fun. Over time you will find moves and positions that you enjoy. Play through your games and look for opportunities that you could improve. To that matter of improvement I recommend the following:
Aron Nimzowitsch's second book was better and gave more worthwhile examples. A few good books on tactics, playing through master games and studying the end game is to be strongly recommended. I remember reading Nimzowitsch's books and it did help tremendously with just these subjects and understanding how to make things happen. If you get that, play through the games of Alekhine and analyse these games. The book is inexpensive and in antiquated notation (ironically I PREFER THE NOTATION). His book is amazing and he did the things Nimzowitsch wanted to do but infuses great aggressive combinations into the often dry prophylactic moves of Nimzowitsch. Alekhine's collection of games could take years to play through and is well worth having as it contains many fantastic jewels.
Incidentally, playing through the games in the matches between Capablanca and Alekhine set the pace for chess for many years to come.
A wise man reads few books but reads the right books well. Please, take note. I have read these and these books are far inferior to the above. And even though Lasker has some of my favorite games I have ever seen and is a long time favorite of mine, I cannot recommend his utterly worthless books full of drivel and impotence. Playing through his games is rewarding though. Fine's writings on Opening's are not worth reading either. The Middle Game in chess is not much better but is better. I would not read it. Tarrasch was never champion. Playing out games using Tarrasch's system would be worthwhile though. Not as worthwhile as learning Sicilian, Ruy Lopez, or the French Defence. You will see this in Alekhine's book with thorough analysis. Keep in mind that the games are from over 60 years ago. It would be worth it to play through as many examples as you can of the openings that you choose to get a intuition for the movement of play. Play blitz often and don't worry if you are not winning. Many quick games like this will improve your longer games. Always record your moves and replay your games while writing and exploring improvements. Buy a chess notation tablet. Always play with a clock. Many players waste time. This will get you to recognize the value of time. Time is money. Have fun. It is a pleasure to play this game.
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