---
title: A short reading list
date: 2026-08-05
tags: [books, ideas]
summary: A few books that changed how I think about software and writing.
---
Some books stay with you long after you close them. Here are a few that
changed how I think.
## On software
- *The Pragmatic Programmer* — habits for practical developers.
- *Clean Code* — a strong opinion on readable code.
- *The Mythical Man-Month* — why people and time do not add up.
## On writing
- *On Writing Well* — the clearest guide to clear prose.
- *The Elements of Style* — short, sharp, and still true.
## On thinking
- *Thinking, Fast and Slow* — two systems, one mind.
- *How to Read a Book* — reading is a skill you can train.
A good book is a conversation that does not end when you finish the last
page.