2008-05-22 13:00:00

My Favorite Books

People often ask me for a list of my favorite books. So here it is.

I reserve the right to update this list from time to time.

I tend to read a lot of stuff. The fact that I recommend a book here does not mean that I agree with everything in it.

Coding

I think it's out of print, but I really liked Writing Solid Code. It's very oriented toward C/C++, so if you're mostly in C#/Java/Ruby/Python/Perl/VB, it may not be worth your time. Still, it's an outstanding book.

And of course Code Complete is a classic.

Software Management

Dynamics of Software Development is one of my favorites.

Business

I'm a big fan of Built to Last and its sequel, Good to Great. The sequel is easier to read and a bit more relevant to smaller companies.

The Silicon Valley Way is a great book, and it's a very visual book with nice short chapters. Easy to just pick up and browse..

If you get the opportunity, go hear Guy Kawasaki speak. He's much better in person than he is on paper. But if that doesn't work out, Rules for Revolutionaries is a good read.

Marketing

If you read only one book on marketing, it should be Crossing the Chasm.

But actually you should read at least a dozen books on marketing.

Here's your second one: Differentiate or Die

Now go find ten more.

Sales

I think Selling the Wheel is an outstanding book. At first you'll be tempted to stop because it's kind of cheesy. Don't. Finish it all the way to the end.

Useless but Enjoyable Fluff

I really like the "Prey" series of novels by John Sandford. Start at the beginning with Rules of Prey

WPF

I have all of the following WPF books:

The one by Chris Sells and Ian Griffiths
The one by Adam Nathan
The one by Charles Petzold
The other one by Charles Petzold, focused on WPF 3D

These are all good, each in a different way. If you're going to do anything serious with WPF, it seems to me that you should own them all.

Other Stuff

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is still worth reading. None of Covey's other books are nearly as good.

Any serious pool player has a copy of Byrne's New Standard Book of Pool and Billiards.

My favorite literary novel is The Count of Monte Cristo. The unabridged version is worth the extra trouble.

For dog lovers, Marley & Me is terrific.