I have conflicting views on spellbooks.
One one level, I think they're fantastic. They give you a complete and simple ritual which can be powerful and effective.* On the other hand, they often imply that all you have to do is read some words, chant a spell, burn a colored candle, and Ta Da! the magick happens.
Only for most people, it doesn't.
In my experience, most people who try various simple magicks don't have much luck. I realize there will be some people reading this who will write in saying, "But it worked for me!" and that's fantastic. However, that's what's called anecdotal evidence. Merely because it worked for you doesn't mean it's going to work for everyone…or even for