I'm pretty sure Rueben Fine's Ideas Behind Chess Openings has been recommended here as the only book a low-rated (Under 1600?) would need until they advance significantly.
The way its setup, it goes over the openings very systematically and discusses how White and Black are trying to equalize or stay dominant. It goes through the openings very 'organically' letting the ideas grow from previous ones.
It is a bit dated, but I can't think of a modern equivalent.