I absolutely love "On Writing Well" by Willian Zinsser. It completely changed how I write and edit my texts. The biggest a-ha moment was "clear writing is clear thinking". 🤯 so simple, yet so profound!
Great list. I've read all of those already and I can agree that they are great books. This is a personal opinion but I would definitely switch Clean Code for The Pragmatic Programmer. That one is one of my favorite books and a must read IMO.
Clean code is also great but I would see it as something that can be read after the initial list, since it can be controversial or cause less experienced developers to not fully understand it and misuse some of the good advice in there.
Some great recommendations here. Need to be a bit cautious with the clean code recommendation though. A lot of junior programmers read clean code and end up caring more about style and adhering blindly to Uncle Bobs principles than doing what they’re supposed to do: build great products. Over abstraction is a hell of a drug.
The book has some good recommendations, but I agree that we shouldn’t follow it blindly. It’s important to think critically about the end goal behind the code.
Oh no, don’t feel the need to edit. Just sharing an observation I’ve made with the focus shift that can happen when people mistake Uncle Bob for the Bible haha.
For the clean code book. Is it applicable to all types of languages? I will order the on writing well book as one of my goals for 2025 is writing everyday ☺️
In my opinion, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People', despite its status as a self-help classic, seems to advocate insincere and manipulative tactics. To me, this mirrors the European stereotype of Americans being overtly friendly but lacking authenticity. I can't help but wonder if the book's popularity has played a role in shaping this perception.
Yes, I've read the book. Admittedly, my choice of words earlier might not have been accurate; the book doesn't directly advocate insincerity. However, it seems to me that many individuals apply its techniques in an insincere manner. This isn't the fault of the author. I don't have my annotated copy with me, so I can't reference specific points. All I can express right now is that I have reservations about this book.
I've started reading, On Writing Well. Holy crap did I basically do everything wrong hahahaha
Hahah I felt the same way when I read it
I absolutely love "On Writing Well" by Willian Zinsser. It completely changed how I write and edit my texts. The biggest a-ha moment was "clear writing is clear thinking". 🤯 so simple, yet so profound!
Great list. I've read all of those already and I can agree that they are great books. This is a personal opinion but I would definitely switch Clean Code for The Pragmatic Programmer. That one is one of my favorite books and a must read IMO.
Clean code is also great but I would see it as something that can be read after the initial list, since it can be controversial or cause less experienced developers to not fully understand it and misuse some of the good advice in there.
I've heard great things about The Pragmatic Programmer, will add to my reading list
Clean Code is controversial I agree. There was a lot of similar feedback on how the information could be misused by less experienced developers
I'm sure you'll enjoy that reading. 😉
Thanks for the great post!
I'd add a book on negotiation skills to the list: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss.
That’s a great add; I remember seeing it as the #2 all time mentioned book on Hacker News too - https://hackernewsbooks.com/top-books-on-hacker-news
good to know.
Awesome set of book recommendations Ryan! I hadn't heard of "On Writing Well" but I'm gonna pick it up
Some great recommendations here. Need to be a bit cautious with the clean code recommendation though. A lot of junior programmers read clean code and end up caring more about style and adhering blindly to Uncle Bobs principles than doing what they’re supposed to do: build great products. Over abstraction is a hell of a drug.
The book has some good recommendations, but I agree that we shouldn’t follow it blindly. It’s important to think critically about the end goal behind the code.
I’ll edit the article with a disclaimer.
Oh no, don’t feel the need to edit. Just sharing an observation I’ve made with the focus shift that can happen when people mistake Uncle Bob for the Bible haha.
Great recommendation of books.
Would also add "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King
Thanks Ivan! I actually just started reading that book, glad to hear it’s going to be a good read
A great collection of books Ryan.
I too have gifted my copy of How to Win Friends and Influence People to my son!
What a coincidence, such a useful book!
I missed The Mythical Man-Month by Fred Brooks
Just throw Clean Code by Uncle Bob in the trash
For the clean code book. Is it applicable to all types of languages? I will order the on writing well book as one of my goals for 2025 is writing everyday ☺️
In my opinion, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People', despite its status as a self-help classic, seems to advocate insincere and manipulative tactics. To me, this mirrors the European stereotype of Americans being overtly friendly but lacking authenticity. I can't help but wonder if the book's popularity has played a role in shaping this perception.
Did you read the book? It stresses the word “genuinely” throughout. Also another recurring topic is “give honest and sincere appreciation”.
I was weirded out by the title of the book too at first, but I don’t think it’s arguing for insincerity.
Yes, I've read the book. Admittedly, my choice of words earlier might not have been accurate; the book doesn't directly advocate insincerity. However, it seems to me that many individuals apply its techniques in an insincere manner. This isn't the fault of the author. I don't have my annotated copy with me, so I can't reference specific points. All I can express right now is that I have reservations about this book.
I've heard of Mythical Man Month so many times. Must add to my reading list