please shed some light on SQLsyntax error

I am trying to set up a contact list database using guidance from a PHP/MySQL book I recenty purchased, and not aving done this before I am not sure what the following error means or where I shoudl look for this kind of error. I have a table set up in MySQL using PHPMyadmin, and I am thinking it may be something in my table? Please let me know if anyone lese is familiar of this type of error below: "You have an error in your SQL syntax. Check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL server version for the right syntax to use near 'List values ('', 'firstname', 'lastname', 'address', ' thanks in advance, Bruce Gilbert