2019 Favorite Books

I cannot believe 2019 is almost over. Since I have transitioned from being an engineer to being an engineering manager, my reading has changed to include some books that will (hopefully) help me become a better manager. I still read technical books, but I am learning how to think more strategically instead of just tactically.

Note: None of the links below are affiliate links. I get nothing from linking to these books. I try to link to the author or publisher site when possible, and Amazon as a default.

Favorite Books 2019

• Site Reliability Engineering - The book from Google that defined how they practically apply DevOps principals. Available online for free, or as print or electronic book.
• The Manager’s Path - This book is all about becoming an engineering manager, and is specifically targeted at engineers making the transition. I have found it to very helpful in my own journey.
• Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When the Stakes are High - A helpful guide for having difficult conversations with people.
• Technology-as-a-Service Playbook: How to Grow a Profitable Subscription Business - A guide for software companies looking to transition from selling traditional perpetual licenses to selling software-as-a-service subscriptions. Also an interesting look at strategic thinking.
• Christ Alone: The Uniqueness of Jesus as Savior - A continuation on my personal study of the five solas of the Reformation. This books looks at the doctrine of Solus Christus and the singular uniqueness and significance of Jesus.
• The Invisible Library - A fun steampunk adventure featuring a librarian who travels between dimensions and time to fight evil forces and secure dangerous books.
• The Ashes of Worlds - The final book in the “Saga of Seven Suns”. A fitting end to this space opera. I thought it did an admiral job of wrapping this epic story.