from Hacker News

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

by dondraper36 on 1/25/25, 7:49 PM with 5 comments

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.

  • by caprock on 1/25/25, 10:07 PM

    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.

  • by wolftickets on 1/26/25, 2:32 PM

    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.

  • by silexia on 1/25/25, 10:07 PM

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

  • by scarface_74 on 1/26/25, 3:11 AM

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

  • by horrible-hilde on 1/26/25, 12:20 AM

    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.