---
title: "20 books to add to your reading list as a tech professional"
date: 2025-08-15
description: "Algorithms, architecture, data, design and a bit of history. Twenty books worth your time, with a line on each."
tags: ["books","career","programming"]
lang: en
source: https://www.lincoli.me/articles/20-books-for-tech-professionals/
author: "Lincoli Xavier"
---

1. [**Algorithms to Live By**, Brian Christian & Tom Griffiths](https://amzn.to/41LyTyj)
   Explores how computational algorithms can help with human decision making.

2. [**Test-Driven Development**](https://amzn.to/4lngQFD)
   A practical guide to writing tests before the code, which pushes you toward clean design.

3. [**AI Superpowers**, Kai-Fu Lee](https://amzn.to/3HBsiQa)
   Looks at the AI race between the US and China and its geopolitical implications.

4. [**The Information**, James Gleick](https://amzn.to/3HAmQwY)
   A history of information, from ancient languages to the digital age.

5. [**Planning Extreme Programming**](https://amzn.to/4mj9nJf)
   How to plan and run projects with Extreme Programming.

6. [**Grokking Algorithms**, Aditya Bhargava](https://amzn.to/3HyLxdc)
   A visual, simplified introduction to classic algorithms.

7. [**CSS Secrets**, Lea Verou](https://amzn.to/4mCZAgG)
   Creative solutions to common CSS problems.

8. [**Clean Code**, Robert C. Martin](https://amzn.to/4mHhwqm)
   Principles and practices for writing clean, maintainable code.

9. [**Implementing Domain-Driven Design**, Vaughn Vernon](https://amzn.to/45QeMkV)
   A detailed guide to applying DDD on real projects.

10. [**Monolith to Microservices**, Sam Newman](https://amzn.to/4mhofHN)
    Patterns and strategies for migrating from monoliths to microservices.

11. [**Introduction to Graph Theory**, Richard J. Trudeau](https://amzn.to/4fDHFEv)
    An accessible introduction to graph theory.

12. [**The Math Book**, Clifford A. Pickover](https://amzn.to/4fCQeiJ)
    Important mathematical history and concepts, in illustrated form.

13. [**Learning Domain-Driven Design**, Vlad Khononov](https://amzn.to/45wIdY0)
    A modern introduction to DDD, focused on business alignment.

14. [**Algorithmic Thinking**, Daniel Zingaro](https://amzn.to/3JiSobq)
    Teaches problem solving through algorithms.

15. [**Algorithms**, Robert Sedgewick & Kevin Wayne](https://amzn.to/45CkmX6)
    A comprehensive guide to classic and modern algorithms.

16. [**The Design of Web APIs**, Arnaud Lauret](https://amzn.to/45CsEhF)
    Good practices for designing clear, scalable APIs.

17. [**Database Internals**, Alex Petrov](https://amzn.to/3UrbI8F)
    How distributed databases work on the inside.

18. [**Designing Data-Intensive Applications**, Martin Kleppmann](https://amzn.to/4lAr5GR)
    A guide to scalable, fault-tolerant systems.

19. [**Coders at Work**, Peter Seibel](https://amzn.to/4mCtKk4)
    Interviews with well-known programmers about how they work.

20. [**Why Programs Fail**, Andreas Zeller](https://amzn.to/3JiuAEn)
    Techniques for debugging and analysing software failures.

---

Liked it? If you want more books, let me know.

And if you want to read along, come to the [dev book club](https://github.com/lincolixavier/clube-do-livro-dev).