It's rare that I read nonfiction these days that is worth reviewing. Most nonfiction to me simply consists of reference material, examples, and step-by-step instructions to help in a given field of study. As a software engineer, I often find myself digging into a particular book for an example or a hint as to how to implement a piece of code. But only rarely do I find myself reading a book from cover to cover.
Pragmatic Thinking & Learning: Refactor Your Wetware is one heck of an exception.
If you're in the field of computer programming, you've probably heard about the Pragmatic Programmers series from their publishing house, Pragmatic Bookshelf. The Pragmatic Programmer philosophy was born with the creation of the first book (The Pragmatic Programmer) written in 2000 by Andy Hunt and David Thomas. Since then, they created their book imprint and have produced more than 70 titles since October 2003.
The Pragmatic Programmers have focused on everything from source code control and testing to writing in a wide variety of languages and environments. And now with Pragmatic Thinking & Learning, they've gone beyond the philosophy of computer languages, tools, and environments and focused on the one constant through it all - the programmer him or herself.
That said, please don't think this book is just for programmers, engineers, and other geeks! The book is so rich with techniques for expanding how you approach the world and develop ideas that I truly believe that people in any profession would get something out of it. So, among the many books published by the Programmatic Programmers, this is the one I think they should spread the word far beyond the bounds of the typical engineers they market to.
Imagine if you will, your brain. Each of us has developed a unique tool filled with pathways different than anyone else on the planet. No two people think exactly the same, even if they come to the same conclusions. Your brain, and therefore how you think and learn, is the product of all the experiences that brought you to this specific point in time.
Andy Hunt brings resources to your attention to make you think about how you think and learn. Regardless of whether you're currently taking classes or not, you most likely think every day of your life and hopefully are learning on your own, through various experiences, every day as well.
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Article comments
1 - Justin
I just finished Pragmatic Thinking and Learning and it was indeed an excellent book. There were tons of great tips in the book that I'm now applying to my daily work and I can already see the improvements.
2 - Fitz
@Justin - I'm so glad someone else was able to reap the benefits! Definitely a great book.