This is my own opinion, so don't take it as a complete answer.
I don't believe PHP books are great. Most of them are outdated, or contain content that is no longer relevant. I think the best options to learn PHP is with videos and documentations. There's no better place to start, than here at Laracasts with the PHP Fundamentals series:
I agree, several years ago yes you would try to get a good book, but now with all the resources available many for free online it's almost redundant having a book.