These are the books that significantly improved my year. They span technology, health, psychology, and behavioral economics. Here's my curated list across product development, business growth, fitness, and design.
Product & Technology
Creative Selection
by Ken Kocienda
Ken was the engineer who built the iPad keyboard at Apple. This book gives you an insider's view of how Apple actually builds products. It's not magic—it's iteration, taste, and relentless refinement.
Inspired
by Marty Cagan
If you work in product, this is essential reading. Cagan breaks down what separates great product teams from mediocre ones. I reference this book constantly.
Hacking Growth
by Sean Ellis
Actionable growth strategies with real frameworks you can implement. Not theory—actual tactics that work.
High Growth Handbook
by Elad Gil
A comprehensive guide to scaling startups. Gil compiles wisdom from dozens of successful founders and operators.
Business & Work
Blitzscaling
by Reid Hoffman
How to scale a company at breakneck speed. Hoffman shares the strategies that built LinkedIn and what it takes to grow from startup to global company.
Rework
by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
This book fundamentally changed how my team operates. It challenges conventional business wisdom and offers refreshingly practical alternatives.
Remote
by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
The definitive guide to distributed work. More relevant than ever.
The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing
by Al Ries & Jack Trout
Classic marketing principles that still hold up. Short, punchy, and immediately applicable.
Mindset & Creativity
The War of Art
by Steven Pressfield
About overcoming creative resistance. If you've ever struggled to ship something, this book will resonate. Pressfield names the enemy (Resistance) and shows you how to fight it.
Health & Performance
Body by Science
by Doug McGuff
A science-based approach to exercise and fitness. Changed how I think about training.
The Power of When
by Michael Breus
Understanding your chronotype and optimizing when you do different types of work. Practical and backed by research.
Bulletproof
by Dave Asprey
Biohacking and nutrition strategies. Take what's useful, leave what isn't.
Meat is for Pussies
by John Joseph
Don't let the title fool you. A hardcore punk rocker's guide to plant-based fitness. Entertaining and surprisingly informative.
Design
Atomic Design
by Brad Frost
Essential reading for anyone building design systems. Frost's methodology for creating modular, scalable UI has influenced how the entire industry thinks about component design.
Designing for Touch & Responsible Responsive Design
by Josh Clark & Scott Jehl
Two excellent books on modern web design. Understanding touch interfaces and building responsibly are non-negotiable skills.
That's the list. Pick one, start reading, and crush it in the new year.
Originally published on HackerNoon.