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Discuss this Chapter!
Steve McConnell, [code_complete]
If you read even one good programming book every two months, roughly 35 pages a week, you'll soon have a firm grasp on the industry and distinguish yourself from nearly everyone around you.
Context: You have Chapter 2, Unleash Your Enthusiasm.
Problem: There seems to be an endless stream of deeper and more fundamental concepts that are eluding you despite your proficiency at Chapter 3, Your First Language.
Solution: Focus your thirst for learning on consuming as much of the written word as possible. Emphasize books over blogs as you construct your Chapter 32, Reading List.
There should be seasons of Chapter 9, The Long Road when you have (or take) the opportunity to read a significant number of books. For Dave, this was in 2002-3, a couple years after he started programming and just as he was hitting a plateau in Chapter 3, Your First Language, Perl. This season was enabled by public transportation and Dave having about 90 minutes a day on the train to read whatever he wanted. He was reading so constantly that he would continue to reading when he got off the train and walked the mile to his cubicle. Immersing yourself in the classics and primary sources of the field provides an unparalleled education when coupled with Chapter 18, Find Mentors and frequent interactions with Chapter 19, Kindred Spirits.
