I have no idea what you are, but as I said this is for a gift. Anyway, I'll give it a second look. Which book, specifically? I see a whole bunch in the series. Looking to spend about $20, if possible.
If they are the kind of person who likes to understand the "how" part of the the cooking besides for just the "what", look into "The Food Lab".
You learn HOW to cook certain food, and recipes become guides as opposed to rules.
It also has plenty of great recipes.