A Few Good Books

Here are a few good books that I have read lately and highly recomend.

Joel on Software
I had been meaning to read Joel's book for quite some time (years really) but only just got around to it. In a way I'm quite glad that I hadn't gotten to it sooner. Don't get me wrong, it's not that Joel doesn't have a lot of great things to say that I wouldn't have found valuable but rather I don't believe that I would have gained as much from them. I guess another approach would have been to read his book a few years ago and then gone back and read it again. You see, as I gain experience and move up in the senior ranks of software development I find that his words carry more weight and increased meaning. I find more similarities in what I have experienced with some of the stories he tells and find that I am in a better position to apply his words of wisdom (or dispute them) then I would have been a few years ago.

All in all, Joel's book should be a must read. Well worth it!

Dreaming in Code
I picked this up because it sounded interesting and I find that I do indeed dream in code. What a great book! Everyone that works in software, lives with someone that works in software, or knows anyone that works in software should read it.

I know the pain that the team is/has experienced and I completely sympathize with the challenges they face. I also found it somewhat surprising that a team built on such industry luminaries could still face the problems that they faced. In a lot of ways I'm not sure if I'm comforted, frightened or relieved by the tail.

The 12 Simple Secrets of Microsoft Management
This is an older book that I stumbled across as I was perusing the shelves at Powell's recently. It's a small, easy read that provides great tips on managing a successful company. Even though it's an older book the lessons are timeless and it also provides interesting insight into an extremely successful corporation.

If you can track down a copy I would suggest you spend a weekend and read it. Great advice is contained in its pages.