If you want something beyond the usual recommendations, I’d suggest picking books that actually change how you think about programming, not just how you write code. One that really stands out is Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs. It’s tough, but it completely reshapes how you understand computation. Another great one is Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software, which helps you see what’s really happening under the hood instead of treating programming like a black box. I also found Think Like a Programmer surprisingly useful because it focuses on problem-solving, which is honestly what matters most in the long run. And if you want something around algorithms that’s more practical than theoretical, The Algorithm Design Manual is a solid pick.

The main thing, though, is not to rush through them. Even if you go slow or don’t finish completely, if a book changes the way you approach problems, it’s already done its job.