It’s that time of year again, when we (hopefully) have more free time to kick back with a good book, whether on the road or on the beach.
So, what books should software developers pack for a summer getaway? My colleague, Wovenware CEO Christian Gonzalez, and I offer these top picks:
- The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr and George Spafford—While DevOps may seem like strange fodder for a fiction novel, this is a great read. In addition to introducing a compelling storyline, the authors (who all have a background in DevOps) provide actionable tips for improving any IT organization.
- Disrupted: My Misadventure in the Start-Up Bubble by Dan Lyons—Released earlier this year, and sparking much debate at the company around which its centered, Disrupted is a must-read for anyone working in the technology space, especially at a start-up. Whatever you ultimately think of Lyons’ exploits and observations, it’s a page-turner.
- Soft Selling in a Hard World: Plain Talk on the Power of Persuasion by Jerry Vass—Although this book is nearly 30 years old, its teachings still ring true today. Widely recognized as essential reading for all entrepreneurs and business professionals, it’s become a standard resource for persuasive presentations.
- Cooking for Geeks by Jeff Potter—This is a personal favorite of mine, as an avid cook and a self-proclaimed geek. If you’re interested in learning the science behind cooking popular recipes, and picking up ideas for new dishes, Cooking for Geeks is definitely worth checking out.
