Rapid Development (Paperback)
by Steve McConnell

A succinct, well organized and must-read collection of the lessons learned and best practices in software engineering over the last three decades.

Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code (Hardcover)
by Martin Fowler, Kent Beck, John Brant, William Opdyke, Don Roberts

Full of code examples in Java, easy to read and right into target, this book is a masterly and comprehensive reference on refactoring.

The Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering, 20th Anniversary Edition (Paperback)
by Frederick P. Brooks

Focusing on the human elements of software engineering, this classic offers insight for anyone managing complex development projects.

Head First Java, 2nd Edition [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)
by Kathy Sierra, Bert Bates

A wonderful job of explaining not only the how-to, but also the "why" of Java fundamentals, in very down-to-earth language.

Thinking in Java (4th Edition) (Paperback)
by Bruce Eckel

A book that has many awards and raves from programmers worldwide for its extraordinary clarity, careful organization, and real life examples.

Head First Design Patterns (Head First) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)
by Elisabeth Freeman, Eric Freeman, Bert Bates, Kathy Sierra

Written in a typically Head First refreshing style, this is one of the easiest to read and absorb among the major reference sources for design patterns.

Effective Java Programming Language Guide (Paperback)
by Joshua Bloch

An essential reference on the nuances of Java, which you’ll consult from time to time. A must-own for Java developers.

Effective C++: 55 Specific Ways to Improve Your Programs and Designs (3rd Edition) (Addison-Wesley Professional Computing Series) (Paperback)
by Scott Meyers

Focusing on productive and practical techniques and offering clearly well thought out advice, this classic on C++ language has always been worth your money and time.

The C++ Standard Library: A Tutorial and Reference (Hardcover)
by Nicolai M. Josuttis

Extremely well organized and well written, this book is an excellent reference to advanced C++ features.

The C++ Programming Language (Special 3rd Edition) (Hardcover)
by Bjarne Stroustrup

Presents the complete C++ language and a discussion of design and software development issues. Provides an emphasis on tutorial aspects aimed at the serious programmer.