Ok I have to let the cat out of the bag....
I did not read my first book until 2013. And when I did. It changed my life completely.
Can't lie, the only book that was encouraged for me to read was the Bible growing up. And in school I would basically use the back of the book and scan the chapters to answer questions and to write papers.
Guess in all honesty I took a ton of shortcuts. Truthfully my life reflected it.
But this is for another post.
Today I wanted to share my top 10 current reading list. I promised my connections on twitter that if I received 30 retweets, I would create a blog post.
The books listed below are broken up into 3 categories; Business, Career, and Finances. With each book listed I have provided a brief description.
Business
Time Management for System Administrators: Stop Working Late and Start Working Smart:
by Thomas A. Limoncelli
This book is not just for System Administrators. No matter if you are in IT, a business owner, or a stay at home parent. Understanding the principles of time management is imperative to the level of success you will achieve. As a Network Engineer you will have hundreds of emails daily, interruptions in your IM, meetings after meetings, people popping up at your desk and so on. How do you handle that? How do you determine which escalation is the most important? How do you manage the stress? This book provides some sound guidance.
Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition:
by Kerry Patterson
On the front cover of this book is the subtitle of "Tools for Talking When the Stakes Are High" Again this is a book that can help you in every area of your life. You know that question of "How do you deal with difficult help desk customers?" Or "how do you handle difficult team members?" Or how do you "Communicate with that #10xEngineer?" LOL, I know, I know, I just could not resist. But seriously, I have taking this class twice and each time I learn something new. Communication can be a challenge if you don’t have the right understanding.
All In Startup: Launching a New Idea When Everything Is on the Line:
by Diana Kander
Have you ever been stuck in your ways and unable to figure out why your business is not successful? This book changed how I view my own assumptions. It's one of the reasons I have embraced automation so much and why I talk about the subjects that I do. There is a bigger picture that many people miss at first glance.
The Phoenix Project: A Novel about IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win:
by Gene Kim
Ok this book can also go under career. But I put it under business because in my opinion DevOps is more of a business model because it’s all about continuous delivery and improvement of a company's product. Wait it’s also continuous learning, but many companies seem to miss that way. I digress. Anyone looking to be a business owner, a Sr. in IT or in management this is a must read. And it has a pretty good story line as well.
Career
Network Warrior: Everything You Need to Know That Wasn't on the CCNA Exam:
by Gary A. Donahue
I took my first Network Engineer position last July and in all honestly, I was nervous as heck! I had no idea what to expect. So, you mean a T1 isn’t a standard straight through pin out? How do I troubleshoot a congested WAN connection? I had so many questions. In my opinion, if you want to be a network engineer. Read this book! It provides major insight into most things that you can think of. It's a little dated but it’s still super relevant.
Tribe of Hackers: Cybersecurity Advice from the Best Hackers in the World:
by Marcus J Carey
Look if you are wanting to be in the IT Security field this is the book you need asap! S/O to Marcus J. Carey for putting together this master piece. In the book they interviewed 70 IT security professionals from all areas and all levels of security. In the interviews the professionals provide advice on how you can be as successful as them. In other words, this book has given you access to 70 mentors in the security field that are giving you all the game! Grab this book for the sauce and enjoy the feast!
Python for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming:
by Jason R. Briggs
Learning Python has been a fun journey for me and it all started with my kids. This book is a creative way to help your kids prepare for the future and to teach you as well. You never know what creative juices this book may spark in your children’s lives. Have fun!
Troubleshooting BGP: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Troubleshooting BGP (Networking Technology): by Vinit Jain & Bradley Edgeworth
I thought I understood BGP. Boy was I wrong. From VRF's and address families, to using communities to manipulate routing decisions. Over the last few months I see why BGP is in a league of its own. This book has been very helpful in explaining many of the nuances that I have come across in BGP and trust me. I find a new one every day. But truthfully the go to for true understanding BGP is RFC 4760.
Finances
Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!: by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Being broke sucks! Especially when your habits with money are from your hands to someone else’s every time you touch it. If I can tell you anything family, learn how to manage your money. It will save you stress and put you in a better situation tomorrow. If and when the unexpected happens. Rich Dad Poor Dad is a great book that sheds some light on bad financial decision-making vs a good financial decision. It was one of the first books I read back in 2013 and it changed my life.
The Richest Man in Babylon: by George S. Clason
My goal is to grow up and be the guy that everyone wonders what he does and how he got so rich. One of the keys to making money is keeping it. And one of the commandments of money is flipping it. Between this and Rich Dad Poor Dad I think you will have an idea of what I mean.
Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds
The list of books that I have shared are just a few of what I am reading currently. During my hour drive to work I also listen to audible books. One of my favorites is David Goggin’s "Can't hurt me" it’s an excellent inspiring listen. If you have a chance check it out!
What did you think of this list?
Have you read any?
If, not will you?
What books have you read lately?
Let me know in the comment section below. I appreciate you checking this post. Please remember to like and share. And think about joining our mailing list as well.
Peace