Hand‑picked books I recommend to friends and colleagues.
A new random book is displayed each time you visit.
- AI Engineering: Building Applications with Foundation Models
- Agile Testing: A Practical Guide for Testers and Agile Teams
- Antifragile
- Atomic Habits
- Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War
- Certain to Win: The Strategy of John Boyd, Applied to Business
- Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship
- Complete Guide to Test Automation
- Continuous Delivery
- Creativity Inc
- Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
- Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes: Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle
- Fooled by Randomness
- Full Incerto - all Taleb books in one
- Fundamentals of Software Architecture
- Grokking Artificial Intelligence Algorithms
- How Google Tests Software
- How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci
- Hyperfocus: How to Manage Your Attention in a World of Distraction
- Implementing Lean Software Development
- Influence
- Keep Going
- Lean Startup
- Leonardo da Vinci - Biography
- Mastery
- More Agile Testing: Learning Journeys for the Whole Team
- Napoleon: A Life
- Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea
- Professional Javascript for Web Developers
- Project Phoenix
- Prompt Engineering for Generative AI
- Public Relations
- Quick Start Guide to Large Language Models
- Science, Strategy and War (Strategy and History)
- Shackleton's Way
- Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
- Show Your Work
- Skin in the Game
- Small Unit Leadership: A Commonsense Approach
- Software Architecture - the Hard Parts
- Software Testing with Generative AI
- Staff Engineer: Leadership beyond the management track
- Steal Like An Artist
- Strategy: A History
- Surely You're Joking, Mr Feynman!
- System Design Interview - Volume 1
- System Design Interview - Volume 2
- Team Geek: A Software Developer's Guide to Working Well with Others
- The Black Swan
- The Charisma Myth
- The Count of Monte Cristo
- The Creative Act: A Way of Being
- The Goal
- The Laws of Human Nature
- The Mind of War: John Boyd and American Security
- The Software Engineer's Guidebook
- The Staff Engineer's Path
- The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
- Thinking Fast and Slow
- Thinking in Systems
- Thinking-Driven Testing
- Tidy First
- Understanding Distributed Systems
- What Do You Care What Other People Think?
AI Engineering: Building Applications with Foundation Models

AI Engineering by Chip Huyen offers a comprehensive look into the process of building effective AI applications using readily available foundation models. It explores the divergence from traditional machine learning engineering and underpins the new AI stack. The importance of model evaluations is stressed upon, highlighting potential approaches like the AI-as-a-judge method. It provides a clear roadmap for application developers to navigate in the ever-growing AI landscape, as well as techniques to overcome latency and cost bottlenecks. The book also outlines various model adaptation tactics and their functionality. This informative guide is useful for individuals with or without prior AI experience and complements Huyen's previous book, Designing Machine Learning Systems.
Details on AmazonAgile Testing: A Practical Guide for Testers and Agile Teams

Agile Testing by Lisa Crispin and Janet Gregory provides a comprehensive guide to agile testing, including the tester's role in agile teams, using agile testing quadrants, and key success factors in agile testing. Readers will learn how to engage testers in agile development, transition from traditional cycles to agile, complete testing activities in short iterations, and more. This book is essential for agile testers, teams, managers, and customers looking to improve their testing practices in agile environments.
Details on AmazonAntifragile

Antifragile is Nassim Nicholas Taleb's exploration of how to thrive in an uncertain world, proposing that some things actually benefit from chaos and volatility. By embracing uncertainty and stress, individuals and systems can become stronger and more resilient. Taleb's revolutionary ideas challenge traditional thinking and provide a blueprint for living in a world filled with unpredictable events. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to navigate and prosper in today's unpredictable world.
Details on AmazonAtomic Habits

Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a proven framework for improving every day by forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. Clear draws on biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible. With practical strategies and inspiring stories, this book will help you reshape progress and success by transforming your habits.
Details on AmazonBoyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War

"John Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War" tells the incredible story of John Boyd, an unsung hero in American military history. Boyd revolutionized fighter aviation, pioneered new tactics, redesigned fighter planes, and developed theories of military strategy still used today. A patriot and rebel, Boyd's legacy has had a lasting impact on the military and the country as a whole.
Details on AmazonCertain to Win: The Strategy of John Boyd, Applied to Business

"Certain to Win" explores the application of Sun Tzu's principles to business strategy based on the teachings of Colonel John R. Boyd, a groundbreaking military strategist. Boyd's influence on military operations is well documented, but this book delves into his thoughts on business strategy, specifically in relation to the OODA loop concept. Other writers and strategists have since taken up Boyd's ideas and applied them to the business world, providing insight on how businesses can operate more profitably by following Boyd's principles.
Details on AmazonClean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship

A must-read guide for writing clean, maintainable code with practical examples and principles that directly apply to testing.
Details on AmazonComplete Guide to Test Automation

The Complete Guide to Test Automation is an exhaustive resource on test automation in software development. Shifting the perspective from traditional waterfall paradigms to newer, agile models, the book explores how automation tools can enhance productivity without sacrificing quality. It addresses the complexity of employing test automation effectively, including the factors that influence its value and costs, with the aim to help create the optimal automation solution for software projects. The hands-on guide teaches you how to write maintainable test code, and encompasses various topics such as test planning, implementation, test project architecture, and how to derive the most value from test automation. The book is intended for anyone involved in software development, including test automation leads, QA managers, developers, and even nonprogrammers.
Details on AmazonContinuous Delivery

"Continuous Delivery: Reliable Software Releases through Build, Test, and Deployment Automation" by Jez Humble and David Farley presents groundbreaking principles and technical practices for achieving rapid, incremental delivery of high-quality software to users. The authors cover automation of the build, deployment, and testing process, as well as improving collaboration between developers, testers, and operations. This book offers essential guidance on implementing deployment pipelines, automated infrastructure management, and other state-of-the-art techniques to streamline the software delivery process and deliver value to businesses quickly and reliably.
Details on AmazonCreativity Inc

In "Creativity, Inc.," Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull reflects on the management principles that have built the company's successful culture over the past thirty years. He shares the ideals and techniques that have made Pixar admired and profitable, emphasizing the importance of protecting the creative process and fostering a unique environment for innovation. The book has been expanded to include updates on Pixar's continuing development, providing insight into how to pursue and maintain excellence in a creative organization.
Details on AmazonDeep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

Deep Work by Cal Newport is a guide to mastering the skill of focusing without distraction on important tasks in order to achieve groundbreaking results in a competitive economy. This book offers a rigorous training regimen and actionable advice to help readers cultivate a deep work ethic and achieve true fulfillment in their professional lives. Through memorable stories and no-nonsense tips, Deep Work is an indispensable tool for anyone seeking success in a world filled with distractions.
Details on AmazonDon't Sleep, There Are Snakes: Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle
.jpg)
In this riveting memoir, linguist Daniel Everett recounts his life-changing experiences living among the Pirahã, a small tribe of Amazonian Indians in Brazil. His journey delves into the nature of language, thought, and life itself, offering a unique perspective on a fascinating culture.
Details on AmazonFooled by Randomness

"Fooled by Randomness" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb challenges the way we think about luck and skill in life and business. Through captivating storytelling and insightful analysis, Taleb explores the role of randomness in our lives and decision-making processes. Drawing on examples from trading, philosophy, and history, the book sheds light on the often overlooked influence of chance on our outcomes. A thought-provoking and entertaining read that will make you question your assumptions about success and failure.
Details on AmazonFull Incerto - all Taleb books in one

The Incerto is a thought-provoking series that explores the concepts of uncertainty, probability, human error, risk, and decision making. Featuring personal essays, stories, and philosophical discussions, these non-overlapping volumes challenge readers to reconsider their understanding of the world and how to navigate it. This boxed set includes all five books in the series: Fooled by Randomness, The Black Swan, The Bed of Procrustes, Antifragile, and Skin in the Game.
Details on AmazonFundamentals of Software Architecture

This book is the first comprehensive guide for developers aspiring to become software architects. It covers architecture principles that apply across all technology stacks, including architecture patterns, component determination, diagramming, and presenting architecture. The authors, Mark Richards and Neal Ford, also address soft skills, modern engineering practices, and the importance of architecture as an engineering discipline.
Details on AmazonGrokking Artificial Intelligence Algorithms

"Grokking Artificial Intelligence Algorithms," written by tech expert and AI group founder Rishal Hurbans, aims to teach software developers the fundamental concepts of AI. The book communicates essential development comprehension, featuring hands-on coding exercises and illustrations for complete understanding. Developers will learn to utilize different AI algorithms for applications like spotting fraud, interpreting text, and image recognition. Use cases for AI, intelligent search for decision making, biologically inspired algorithms, machine learning, and neural networks are thoroughly discussed, with simple language used to teach these complex concepts. This educational read is meant to guide the journey of aspiring AI application builders with high school-level math skills.
Details on AmazonHow Google Tests Software

"How Google Tests Software" is a comprehensive guide written by legendary testing expert James Whittaker and two top Google experts. The book provides insights into how Google tests software and offers a plethora of new best practices applicable regardless of your organization's size. From risk analysis and test planning to implementing a variety of testing methods, tracking issues, creating tools and more, you'll discover practical and scalable techniques to streamline your testing process and boost your organization's productivity.
Details on AmazonHow to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci

In this inspiring guide, author Michael J. Gelb teaches readers how to develop their full potential by following the example of Leonardo da Vinci. Drawing on Da Vinci's principles, readers will learn essential elements of genius and step-by-step exercises to master life-changing skills such as problem solving, creative thinking, and goal setting. Discover an exhilarating new way of thinking and harness the power of your own genius with this innovative book.
Details on AmazonHyperfocus: How to Manage Your Attention in a World of Distraction

In "Hyperfocus," Chris Bailey explores the power of managing your attention to boost productivity and creativity. Drawing on neuroscience research, Bailey provides practical strategies to harness focused and creative mental modes, control distractions, and work more deliberately. By mastering your attention, you can achieve greater purpose and fulfillment in your daily life.
Details on AmazonImplementing Lean Software Development

This book is a comprehensive guide to implementing Lean software development techniques that leverage Lean principles for unprecedented agility and value. The authors provide practical advice, techniques, and case studies to help software teams transform their development processes. This sequel to Lean Software Development offers hands-on strategies for managing agile practices, building effective development teams, driving quality through feedback, making decisions Just-in-Time, and delivering fast. It is essential reading for managers, project leaders, developers, and architects in IT and software companies.
Details on AmazonInfluence

"Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini is the foundational guide to understanding the principles of influence and persuasion. With new research, insights, and examples, Cialdini explains how to use these principles ethically in business and everyday interactions. Learn how to apply the Universal Principles of Influence to become a more skilled persuader and defend yourself against unethical influence attempts. Backed by 35 years of scientific research, this book is a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of persuasion.
Details on AmazonKeep Going

"Keep Going" by Austin Kleon is a guide to staying creative, focused, and true to yourself in a non-linear, loop-like creative journey. With ten simple rules, Kleon encourages readers to find a daily routine, disconnect from the world, get outdoors, and pay attention to what truly matters. This practical and ethical book is for anyone looking to sustain a meaningful and productive life.
Details on AmazonLean Startup

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries offers a scientific approach for entrepreneurs to create successful businesses in uncertain conditions. By focusing on validated learning, rapid experimentation, and adapting quickly to customer feedback, Ries shows how companies of all sizes can innovate and thrive in today's fast-paced world.
Details on AmazonLeonardo da Vinci - Biography

Walter Isaacson's biography of Leonardo da Vinci delves into the life and mind of history's most creative genius. Drawing from da Vinci's notebooks and new discoveries, Isaacson reveals how da Vinci's passion, curiosity, and imagination fueled his groundbreaking work in art and science. From The Last Supper to the Vitruvian Man, this book explores how da Vinci's unique combination of diverse interests and rebellious spirit continue to inspire creativity today.
Details on AmazonMastery

In this book by bestselling author Robert Greene, readers will discover that the secret to mastery lies within themselves. By studying the behaviors of historical and contemporary Masters, readers will learn how to unlock their passion, exceed their competition, and achieve greatness.
Details on AmazonMore Agile Testing: Learning Journeys for the Whole Team
).jpg)
More Agile Testing is a comprehensive guide that delves into the evolving world of agile testing. Authors Janet Gregory and Lisa Crispin offer insights on adapting agile testing to different environments, improving test processes, scaling testing across teams, and overcoming challenges in automated testing. With real team examples and practical advice, this book covers a wide range of topics including collaboration with business experts, designing reliable automated tests, enhancing testing skills, and mitigating risks. Whether you are working in an enterprise, with distributed teams, on mobile/embedded systems, in regulated environments, or practicing DevOps, this book provides valuable strategies and techniques for agile testers looking to excel in their roles.
Details on AmazonNapoleon: A Life

Andrew Roberts's book Napoleon is a comprehensive and insightful biography of the famed soldier-statesman, Napoleon Bonaparte. Drawing on recently discovered letters and extensive research, Roberts paints a portrait of Napoleon as a complex and multifaceted figure, highlighting his military genius, political acumen, and personal relationships. This magisterial work offers a fresh perspective on one of history's most influential leaders.
Details on AmazonNothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea

Nothing to Envy is a powerful and eye-opening account of life inside North Korea, following the lives of six North Korean citizens over fifteen years. Award-winning journalist Barbara Demick provides a detailed look at the oppressive regime, revealing the struggles, ambitions, and disillusionment of its people. Through meticulous reporting, Demick brings to light the personal stories of individuals living in a world where freedom is a luxury and survival is a daily battle.
Details on AmazonProfessional Javascript for Web Developers

"Professional JavaScript for Web Developers, 5th edition" is the ultimate guide for experienced developers looking to upgrade their skills for ES 2023. Author Matt Frisbie covers advanced topics such as object-oriented programming, inheritance, and integrating JavaScript with HTML. Updated for the latest standards and featuring tips on optimizing performance, this book is a must-have for developers wanting to take their JavaScript game to the next level.
Details on AmazonProject Phoenix

The 5th Anniversary Edition of The Phoenix Project follows the story of Bill, an IT manager at Parts Unlimited, as he takes on a critical project that is over budget and behind schedule. With the help of The Three Ways philosophy, Bill must streamline communication and improve workflow to save his department from outsourcing. This fast-paced and entertaining book offers real-world solutions for improving IT organizations.
Details on AmazonPrompt Engineering for Generative AI

This book, authored by James Phoenix and Mike Taylor, offers a comprehensive understanding of generative AI, particularly large language models (LLMs) and diffusion models like ChatGPT and Stable Diffusion. Readers will learn how to leverage these largely unexplored resources and apply them in automation tasks previously not considered suitable for such technology. The authors introduce and detail a set of principles called prompt engineering, enabling developers to optimize AI for their applications efficiently. The book illuminates the working of AI models, from the fundamentals of interaction chains to the transformation of application problems into document completion problems in the training domain. It also covers the impact of LLM and diffusion model architecture and their application in natural language processing, text and image generation, and code.
Details on AmazonPublic Relations

This book by Edward L. Bernays delves into the philosophy and methods of public relations, offering advice and insights gathered from his extensive professional experience. It emphasizes the importance of social integration and adjusting private and public interests, providing a valuable resource for individuals and organizations looking to communicate effectively with their publics.
Details on AmazonQuick Start Guide to Large Language Models
.jpg)
In "Quick Start Guide to Large Language Models," Sinan Ozdemir provides a comprehensive resource for navigating the world of Large Language Models (LLMs). Despite their complexity, Ozdemir explains how to effectively apply LLMs on a large scale. This easy-to-follow guide provides step-by-step instructions for integrating and deploying LLMs, resources for customization to suit specific requirements, and insight into optimizing performance. This pioneering guide covers key models from OpenAI, Google, EleutherAI, Cohere, and Meta. It not only equips readers with the knowledge needed to understand LLMs' inner workings but also practical application strategies, including creating information retrieval systems, prompt engineering techniques, and aligning LLMs using Reinforcement Learning. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned practitioner, this book serves as an essential tool to leverage the full potential of LLMs.
Details on AmazonScience, Strategy and War (Strategy and History)
.jpg)
This book reexamines John Boyd's original contribution to strategic theory beyond his OODA loop model. By exploring diverse sources that influenced Boyd's thinking and offering a comprehensive overview of his work, the author shows that Boyd's ideas are more complex and influential than commonly believed. Boyd's work continues to shape Western military thinking, particularly in response to new strategic threats in the post-9/11 world.
Details on AmazonShackleton's Way

Learn how to lead your business to survival and success by emulating the legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton. Through anecdotes, diaries, and Shackleton's own writings, discover his timeless leadership principles and crisis management skills that are applicable to the modern business world. Illustrated with rare photos, this book offers valuable insights for leaders looking to follow in Shackleton's footsteps.
Details on AmazonShoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

"Shoe Dog" is a revealing and inspiring memoir by Nike founder Phil Knight, chronicling the company's start as a small import business to becoming one of the world's most iconic and profitable brands. Knight shares the risks, setbacks, triumphs, and relationships that shaped Nike into the powerhouse it is today, offering a candid look at the journey to business success.
Details on AmazonShow Your Work

"Show Your Work!" explores the importance of generosity and sharing in the creative process. Austin Kleon provides practical advice on how to become findable in a digital age, emphasizing the benefits of openness, bravery, and productivity. Through ten transformative rules, Kleon offers a user's manual for embracing the communal nature of creativity and succeeding as an artist or entrepreneur.
Details on AmazonSkin in the Game

In "Skin in the Game," Nassim Nicholas Taleb challenges long-held beliefs about risk and reward, politics and religion, finance and personal responsibility. He redefines what it means to understand the world, succeed in a profession, contribute to a fair society, and influence others, emphasizing the importance of taking ownership of one's risks. Using examples from history to modern day, Taleb argues that having "skin in the game" is essential for individuals in all aspects of life, from military interventions to financial investments to religious beliefs. By sharing insights and practical advice, Taleb demonstrates how this concept can lead to greater fairness, justice, and personal integrity.
Details on AmazonSmall Unit Leadership: A Commonsense Approach

Small Unit Leadership provides a practical guide on how to build confidence, trust, and loyalty among soldiers in order to effectively lead them into battle and achieve success on the battlefield. Colonel Malone offers specific techniques and strategies for company grade officers and non-commissioned officers to ensure victory in land battles.
Details on AmazonSoftware Architecture - the Hard Parts

This book explores the difficult decisions and trade-offs involved in software architecture, focusing on distributed architectures. Through a fictional story about a group of technology professionals, the authors discuss strategies for choosing an appropriate architecture, managing workflows, contracts, transactions, and more. Readers will learn how to analyze trade-offs, make better decisions, and effectively document their choices in a highly distributed environment.
Details on AmazonSoftware Testing with Generative AI

"Software Testing with Generative AI" is a comprehensive guide by Mark Winteringham that illustrates how to enhance, expand and automate software testing using Large Language Model-based AI tools. The book offers umpteen strategies to improve test capacity, quality, automation, and formulate new ideas during testing. With the use of AI tools such as Copilot, ChatGPT, and OpenAI API, developers, testers and quality engineers can learn to generate synthetic testing data, receive personalized feedback, and customize Large Language Models to suit their business needs. The book includes practical suggestions and exercises, making it a valuable resource for those looking to speed up testing processes and enhance the overall quality of their software.
Details on AmazonStaff Engineer: Leadership beyond the management track

"Staff Engineer" is a guide for software engineers looking to advance their careers without transitioning into engineering management. This book offers insights and strategies for navigating the technical leadership path towards achieving a Staff engineering role and succeeding within that position.
Details on AmazonSteal Like An Artist

"Steal Like an Artist" is a guide to unlocking your creativity in the digital age. Embrace influence, remix and reimagine, follow your interests, and take risks to discover your own artistic path. Forget clichés and stay true to yourself to build a more creative life.
Details on AmazonStrategy: A History

In "Strategy: A History," Sir Lawrence Freedman dives deeply into the broad evolution of strategic thinking, investigating its applications in war, politics, and everyday life. Drawing from diverse sources, from primate groups' tactical practices to classical tales, historical military advances, societal struggles, corporate strategies, and modern social science, Freedman explores the fluid and adaptable nature of strategy. The unpredictability of the environments within which the strategies operate and the ability to adapt and reassess initial approaches when confronted with unforeseen circumstances form the core of his discourse. This profound examination of strategic theories summarises decades of research, encapsulating the essence of strategy from ancient times to the application of game theory in contemporary economics.
Details on AmazonSurely You're Joking, Mr Feynman!

In this celebrated science book, Nobel Prize winner Richard P. Feynman shares his wild adventures and unconventional stories from his life as a physicist. From trading ideas with Einstein to cracking top-secret safes, Feynman's eccentricity and genius shine brightly in this captivating read. Now with a new introduction by Bill Gates, this book is a must-read for anyone curious about the life of a legendary scientist.
Details on AmazonSystem Design Interview - Volume 1

"System Design Interview - An Insider's Guide (Volume 1)" provides a step-by-step framework for tackling system design interview questions. With real-world examples and detailed solutions, this book equips readers with the knowledge and strategy needed to excel in technical interviews. From scaling systems to designing complex algorithms, this book covers a wide range of topics essential for success in system design interviews.
Details on AmazonSystem Design Interview - Volume 2

Volume 2 of the System Design Interview series provides a step-by-step framework and solutions to system design questions. It includes 13 real-world examples with detailed explanations and 300+ diagrams to help you approach interviews confidently. Perfect for readers with a basic understanding of distributed systems.
Details on AmazonTeam Geek: A Software Developer's Guide to Working Well with Others

"Team Geek" is an insightful book by renowned software engineers Brian Fitzpatrick and Ben Collins-Sussman, offering vital strategies to help software engineers navigate the often challenging human aspect of the industry. The authors delve into crucial engagement skills, illustrating both beneficial techniques and pitfalls to avoid when collaborating with colleagues and users. The lessons contained within are particularly valuable to those who have honed their technical abilities and are seeking to enhance their overall impact through effective collaboration and the cultivation of "soft skills". This guidance culminates in an approach that maximizes the potential for success in the often-complicated world of software creation, asserting the importance of the human component in a predominantly technical field.
Details on AmazonThe Black Swan

"The Black Swan" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb explores the concept of highly improbable events that have a massive impact on our world. These events, known as black swans, are unpredictable and often explained away after they occur. Through a blend of philosophy, empirical evidence, and entertaining anecdotes, Taleb challenges the way we think about the world and encourages readers to embrace uncertainty and complexity. This groundbreaking book will change the way you view the world and offers tools to navigate a Black Swan world.
Details on AmazonThe Charisma Myth

"The Charisma Myth" by Olivia Fox Cabane debunks the idea that charisma is an inherent quality some people are born with. Instead, Cabane reveals that charismatic behaviors can be learned and perfected by anyone. Drawing on techniques from Harvard and MIT, she breaks down charisma into its components and shows readers how to become more influential, persuasive, and inspiring without changing their fundamental personality.
Details on AmazonThe Count of Monte Cristo
.jpg)
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas is a riveting story about Edmond Dantes, an innocent man wrongly imprisoned in the grim fortress of If. He learns about a hidden treasure and plans not only his escape but also his retribution against those who caused his downfall. This Penguin Classics edition, a lively and complete translation by Robin Buss, includes an introduction, explanatory notes, and reading suggestions.
Details on AmazonThe Creative Act: A Way of Being

In The Creative Act, legendary music producer Rick Rubin shares deep wisdom on creativity, offering insights on how to connect with the wellsprings of creativity and make a profound impact on the world. With a focus on being, rather than doing, Rubin explores how creativity has a place in everyone's life and how we can all tap into our innate creative potential. This beautifully crafted book is a must-read for writers, artists, and anyone looking to reconnect with their creative spirit.
Details on AmazonThe Goal

The 30th Anniversary Edition of "The Goal" is a gripping novel that is transforming management thinking worldwide. Follow plant manager Alex Rogo as he races against time to save his factory from closure and discovers the Theory of Constraints. A must-read for managers in any industry seeking ongoing improvement and success.
Details on AmazonThe Laws of Human Nature

"The Laws of Human Nature" by Robert Greene explores the importance of understanding people's behaviors, motivations, and drives. Drawing from historical figures and examples, Greene provides tactics for success, self-improvement, and self-defense in various aspects of life. Learn how to detach from emotions, develop empathy, see behind masks, and resist conformity to achieve your goals.
Details on AmazonThe Mind of War: John Boyd and American Security

The Mind of War provides a comprehensive look at the life and ideas of US Air Force Colonel John Boyd, a pioneering military strategist who revolutionized American military policy and practice. Through interviews and analysis of Boyd's work, Grant T. Hammond explores Boyd's contributions to jet aerial combat, fighter design, and tactical strategies that shaped military operations in Vietnam and the Gulf War. This intellectual biography highlights Boyd's enduring legacy as a visionary thinker and influential advisor to military and political leaders.
Details on AmazonThe Software Engineer's Guidebook

This book provides a comprehensive guide for software engineers at all levels, focusing on both technical skills and soft skills. It covers various career stages from entry-level developer to senior engineer and beyond, offering practical advice and insights to help readers advance in their careers. With six parts covering different aspects of software engineering, this book serves as a valuable resource for engineers looking to grow and excel in their roles.
Details on AmazonThe Staff Engineer's Path

This book challenges the conventional wisdom of promoting engineers to management roles and instead advocates for the staff engineer path. Tanya Reilly provides insights on how to excel as a staff engineer, including mastering strategic thinking, leading without authority, and setting technical standards while continuing to grow as an expert in your field. A must-read for engineers looking to make a big impact in their organizations without transitioning into management.
Details on AmazonThe War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

In "The War of Art," Steven Pressfield explores the internal obstacles that prevent individuals from pursuing their creative endeavors. Drawing parallels to Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," Pressfield provides a battle plan for overcoming self-doubt and achieving success in any creative field. This practical and motivational guide encourages readers to harness their inner resolve and embrace a disciplined approach to achieving their goals.
Details on AmazonThinking Fast and Slow

In "Thinking, Fast and Slow," Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman explores the two systems that drive our thinking - fast, intuitive System 1 and slower, logical System 2. Through engaging examples and practical insights, Kahneman reveals how these systems shape our judgments and decisions, offering strategies to overcome cognitive biases and make better choices in both our personal and professional lives. This contemporary classic has transformed the way millions of readers approach decision-making.
Details on AmazonThinking in Systems

"Thinking in Systems" is a groundbreaking book that teaches readers how to develop systems-thinking skills crucial for problem-solving on scales ranging from personal to global. Author Donella Meadows explores the interconnected nature of major world issues and offers insight on how to approach complex problems with a broader perspective. This essential primer emphasizes the importance of paying attention to what is important and staying humble in a world that is constantly growing more complicated and interdependent.
Details on AmazonThinking-Driven Testing

This innovative book redefines software testing, emphasizing critical thinking, system thinking, and rationality as core tester skills. It moves away from traditionally tool-focused viewpoints, offering a unique meta-approach for creating effective testing strategies, grounded in modern psychology, economics, system sciences, and logic. The book introduces new testing concepts such as Thinking-Driven Testing (TDT) and TQED to optimize testing ideas. Various types of testing techniques are covered, alongside potential pitfalls turned learning opportunities. The final chapter applies theory into practice with practical exercises to enhance tester's crucial skills. The book encourages readers to challenge conventional software testing wisdom and evolve into value-adding professional testers.
Details on AmazonTidy First

This practical guide by Kent Beck, creator of Extreme Programming, offers advice on tidying up messy code to make it more readable. Beck suggests breaking code into manageable sections and provides examples to help readers improve their code while considering the overall structure of the system. The book covers software design theory, including coupling, cohesion, discounted cash flows, and optionality, and offers tips on how to make large changes in small, safe steps. Beck also emphasizes the importance of approaching software design as an exercise in human relationships.
Details on AmazonUnderstanding Distributed Systems

This book is a comprehensive guide to building distributed systems for web and mobile applications. Covering communication, coordination, scalability, resiliency, and operations, it provides essential knowledge for developers looking to create large-scale systems. With practical insights and hands-on examples, this book is a must-read for anyone wanting to delve into the complexities of distributed systems without the need to scour the internet for scattered information.
Details on AmazonWhat Do You Care What Other People Think?

"What Do You Care What Other People Think?" is the New York Times best-selling sequel to "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!" In this book, Richard P. Feynman shares funny and moving stories that showcase his thirst for adventure and ability to recount important moments from his life. From his first wife's teachings on love to his investigation into the Challenger's explosion, Feynman's narrative reveals the man behind the genius.
Details on Amazon