What book to read about software testing ?

I am working in software testing since 1997. At some point when I became more experienced I started to get questions what book a beginner tester should read. I never felt confident what book to recommend to absolute beginner. Seems like one of the best scenarios for a beginner is to read some basics paper over internet, and to focus on following the more experienced testers in his team. Why ?- you will ask. Because I believe that a beginner should get acquainted with the terms in software testing. But before getting deeper in the testing he should get some practical experience. Sounds crazy :-). But you can't fill up you cup if it is already filled in... right?

So - get familiar with basic concepts and go and accumulate experience. At some point you will feel that something is wrong ... the basic concepts doesn't always fit in the practical testing.  The testing requirements and expectations you get from management doesn't seem right.  You are confused... Congratulations - your are at the right point to start learning more. At this point I can help you with book recommendation:

Lessons Learned in Software Testing: A Context-Driven Approach

Cem Kaner, James Bach, Bret Pettichord

Link to Amazon.com

So why I believe this book is good(the best?).

• it summarize the truth about practical side of software testing and how it fit in the whole picture of software development.
• it is painfully honest... especially for dumb management that has stupid an unrealistic expectation towards testers/testers teams
• the lessons/stories are short. You need ten's of minutes to read one. And you may read them in (mostly)  random order
• you can find most of mistakes you/your team/manager are doing well described in the book. And there is some hope you will be able to learn and fix them.
• I really respect the authors. Find more about them in the net and you will respect them too.