Pragmatic Programmer is pretty good, but even better are Steve McConnell's books from the late 90's, "Rapid Development" and "Code Complete".

They're both big and both published by Microsoft. Two strikes, yes, but don't be fooled. These books have so many nuggets that I've gone back to again and again as a programmer. "Code Complete", in particular.

Neither book is a cover-to-cover read. They're both books you dip into for a tip, a skill, some perspective. But they've held up amazingly well, and for my money and time, they're both a step up from the Pragmatic Programmer. If you like what you found in "Pragmatic", you'll love "Code Complete".

I just wish it wasn't from MS, at the peak of MS evil in the 90's.

I think I started Code Complete some time ago, I need to get back to it.

Starting Strength stands out for me too. Starting a strength training routine has been a wonderful experience that I would highly encourage to everyone.

All the good things in Prag Prog have become commonplace in today's development world.

* Tests - check

* Version control - check

* Code generation - check

* Decoupling, refactoring, metaprogramming, power editing.

It's still worth reading but it needs a second edition...

> Starting Strength - because this time I actually started lifting instead of just reading it :)

For me it's High-Intensity Training the Mike Mentzer Way. Frankly I don't care about strength, and am focusing instead on bodybuilding.

I used to spend a lot of hours in the gym not really knowing what I'm doing (no plan, no goals). After this book I now have a good plan and clear, predictable goals.

Starting strength is better for natural strength training.

Mike Mentzer is well known to have abused steroids to get his physique which is something I wouldn't be willing to do.

Which 1970s bodybuilder isn't? Besides, he perfected his programme on his clients, not himself. Anyway, it works perfectly well for me, I couldn't be more satisfied with my progress and thus have no reason to change my plan. I'm glad SS works for you.

Also read Starting Strength. I'd been lifting before I read it but my technique was very poor. The most I got out of the book was cues (such as actively push legs out when squatting to avoid cave in). Would definitely recommend!

Getting a trainer is going to be better than trying to DIY from a book, at least to 'show you the ropes'. It's not like following a recipe or something where it's obvious if you have the right amount of ingredients; you might think you are doing it right when you are doing it wrong and have no way to tell.

I disagree about the trainer unless the user is a novice or is okay spending a lot of money on a trainer. In my experience all personal trainers are not created equal. The chapter on doing squats in Starting Strength is 80 pages long. Odds are it would cost you a couple of hundred dollars and many session to get that much information from a good trainer. Reading the book, watching the DVD and working with light weights to focus on correct form would be a better approach that hiring a trainer. After those steps are done it would be useful to hire a trainer to check your form and give you tips.

I agree, as long as you find a good trainer. Most personal trainers are teaching extremely poor form.

The problem is getting a good trainer. Sure if you can get Rippetoe .. :) The one at my gym is not great.

I think I would prefer a gym buddy who has read the book, watched the dvd or is a good lifter, because filming myself to check my form gets old quickly.

You are your own gym, for me.

Yup, me too on SS. Started in Jan, changed my life.