I’m of the opinion this is the best map to get if you are hiking in the Whites (NH). They probably make for other areas of the country as well. It is waterproof, colored well, and just plan easy to read.  The AMC maps are fine, but this one just has it all.

www.mapadventures.com 

(I bought my copy at EMS)

There are dozens of hiking books available and it is easy to get overwhelmed with information. If you want to pick one, I recommend Jarad Gange’s 100 Classic Hikes of the Northeast. I have the older version and have found it to be a great resource to explain hikes to people and get ideas for hikes that don’t just pop into my head.