Ask HN: What are some no fluff books on engineering, career, and general wisdom?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42824166

by dondraper36 • 1 year ago

9 5 1 year ago

news.ycombinator.com

The title is really vague so let me suggest an example. I really enjoyed reading Getting Real by Basecamp.

I am not creating a startup (not yet at least), but the lessons there seem applicable to life in general, not just a new web based application.

silexia• 1 year ago

Sa Walton's autobiography is the best business book I have ever read out of hundreds. Closely followed by Henry Ford's.

caprock• 1 year ago

I'll suggest some, all very different.

1. The Software Developer's Career Handbook: A Guide to Navigating the Unpredictable by Michael Lopp

This is about all the things around being a programmer at work.

2. The Soul of a New Machine by Tracy Kidder

This is a well regarded book about an engineering team building a Data General computer in the late 70s. So the lessons are indirect, but it's a pleasant and technical read. It reads almost like a novel.

Separately, I think it's worth reading at least a couple things that are more cynical. It's helpful for balance. On that front I'd say...

1. The Gervais Principle by Venkatesh Rao

This is a lengthy blog series (or ebook). It uses a metaphor about The Office, but it's still plenty relatable if you didn't watch that show. The abstraction this lays over modern knowledge work is quite interesting. It's a weird combination of demoralizing and liberating.

2. The Peter Principle by Peter and Hull

I remember reading this book and having trouble understanding if it was real or some form of satire. If I read it again now, many years later, I'd probably understand it better.

horrible-hilde• 1 year ago

Bullshit jobs (Graeber): Im not sure if you are just starting out in the industry this book may not be for you. I had to stop reading it due to the horror of it all.

scarface_74• 1 year ago

The Geek Leader's Handbook: Essential Leadership Insight for People with Technical Backgrounds

wolftickets• 1 year ago

1. The Pragmatic Programmer.

2. Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer.

3. Diffusion of Innovations.

4. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing.

5. Implementing Lean Software Development: From Concept to Cash.

6. Writing to Learn.

7. On Writing Well.

8. Pragmatic Thinking and Learning: Refactor Your Wetware.

9. Thinking In Systems: A Primer.

10. The Startup Owner's Manual: The Step-By-Step Guide for Building a Great Company.

Ask HN: What are some no fluff books on engineering, career, and general wisdom?

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