Best Books - what's your pick?

In the marketing category, since there are so many Realtors online these days I would have to say:

"Walk like a Giant, Sell like a Madman"

From Amazon.com:

Walk Like a Giant, Sell Like a Madman is a recapitulation of the techniques that made real-estate sales veteran Ralph R. Roberts a giant in the world of sales. It offers basics for beginners, a review for pros who hope to advance, and a primer for entrepreneurs who must sell their products or services as well as themselves. By relating personal experiences and those of other super-sellers, Walk Like a Giant shows how specific practices--such as maintaining client databases, investing in cutting-edge technology, and engaging in self-promotion--can make the difference between failure and success.

What books have you read that proved highly valuable?

 

If you're into interface design, layout etc. Steve Krug's "Don't Make Me Think" subtitled "A common sense approach to web usability" (or something like that) is a decent little book for all web designers.

 

The Reality Dysfunction by Peter Hamilton I learnt that imagination is our greatest faculty.

A New Kind of Science by Stephen Wolfram I learnt that there really is symmetry in everything if you look for it.

My Life on the Street by Joe Homeless I learnt that all my prejudices concerning western poverty are crap.

Frobenius Algebras and 2D Topological Quantum Field Theories by Joachim Kock I learnt that to die without an understanding of Quantum Theory is a waste of a life.

The Monk and the Philosopher by Jean Revel I learnt that conversation is a gift.

The Marketing took care of itself.

- Michael

 

Did you read Fritjof Capra's "The Tao of Physics" Michael?

 

the calvin & hobbes anthologies (next to atlas shrugged) have been the greatest influence on my life - especially the snowman strips

 

Rich Dad, Poor Dad - Robert Kiosaki is another winner on my list.

Business @ The Speed of Thought - Bill Gates & writing team

Leadership - Rudolf Giuliani

Losing My Virginity - Sir. Richard Branson

Bury me in my Boots - Sally Trench (excellent book about living on the streets in London)

Fran's War - Sally Trench (excellent book about Bosnia through the eyes of a 13yr old female character / based on sally's work there smuggeling children out and food in during the war)

uuum, when I can think of some more will ad em in.

 

"The Doors of perception" By Aldous Huxley (Free - you can find it online)
"Brave New World" By Aldous Huxley
"Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" By Hunter S Thompson
"The Beach" By Alex Garland
"How to Win Friends and Influence People" By Dale Carnegie
"The Dark Materials Trilogy" By Phillip Pullman
"The Worlds End Trilogy" By Mark Chadbourne
"How to lose Friends and Alienate People" By Toby Young (Very Funny)
"Trainspotting" By Irvine Welsh

Like Dominic, I will add more when I think of them...

 

Yes I did thank you Lever and a fine thought provoking book it is too...

 

I would read the books in my link.. hint hint

Seriously though I don't have time to read, but Bill Bryson's book on Australia is hilarious, and very informative! Read it on my 11 hour flight to Kuala Lumpur lol

 

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" By Dale Carnegie
"Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude" by W. Clement Stone

 

Reaper man by Terry Pratchett

 

OK if we are talking books that have impacted your like I'd have to say the bible and whatever the one is muslims read. How different my life (and yours) would be if those two were never written!

 

If you can get this in english:
Sobre Heroes y Tumbas - Ernesto Sabato.

And

Demon-Hunted World by Carl Sagan

 

Nothing Down by Robert Allen
One minute millionare by Robert Allen
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
E-Myth

 

Your First 100 Million - Dan Pena

Oxford Concise English

PHP Bible

 

In the marketing category, the only book that I have ever enjoyed, both by its simplicity and its funny way to relate shoppers' behavior with human’s primal behavior was Triggers: How to Use the Pyschological Triggers of Selling to Motivate, Persuade & Influence, written by Joseph “Joe” Sugarman.

.

 

Atlas Shrugged, The Fountainhead - Both by Ayn Rand
The DaVinci Code, Angels & Demons - Both by Dan Brown

All great reads!

 

dont forget some of ayn rand's shorter books too, those are good. Virtues of selfishness is a good essay (I think there is a book of her essays about objectivism or something).

 

Haven't read any of her shorter books. Which ones would you recommend?

 

Can't believe I forgot this one...

The Art of War - Sun Tzu

A must. That book saved my ass plenty of times and helped me kick ass just as often. I've re-read it several times...

Buy a copy with a commentry along side the original document to explain the cultural background if needed.

Think you can even read this book online for free

edit: here