andrewcooke

seconding effective java, in particular.

this is also worth reading once you've got the basics down

2666 is a much darker, somewhat rambling tome that addresses "evil". they're very different, but both great books.

not for learning, but as a reference to keep on your desk when programming in c - harbison + steele

the book i've used most this year is an old classic - harbison & steele's "c a reference manual". it's invaluable (if you're writing c)

savage detectives is a funny account of adolescent "poets" in mexico

have you read midnight's children? if so, how does satanic verses compare to that? i thought children was wonderful

this being one of my favourite books. The range covered is huge, the historical background of the times is fascinating, and Hayek is a much more complex thinker than you might imagine

another absorbing, thought-provoking book on the history of Economics