I’m regularly asked for product manager book recommendations. There are lots of excellent books about product management, but these are the ones I'd consider essential to any PM’s bookshelf.
I’m regularly asked for product manager book recommendations. There are lots of excellent books about product management, but these are the ones I'd consider essential to any PM’s bookshelf.
Soon after this book was published Allen attracted an almost cult-like following. Product managers juggle hundreds of priorities, and this book will help you balance your time.
AmazonOne of the best books on human nature, Ariely’s enjoyable book helps us understand why people behave irrationally.
AmazonFrom my foreword: “Your guide to navigating product leadership, the one I never had. Within these pages you’ll hear a diversity of opinions from the industry’s most successful and respected product leaders, insights that will help you lead your team and deliver exceptional products.”
AmazonJazz is messy, and musicians seem to court disaster night after night. What can product leaders learn from how these artists approach their art? Barrett’s entertaining book formed the backbone for my essay on jazz and product management.
AmazonLaszlo and his team at Google have reinvented the role of human resources. This book is a terrific overview of what makes Google Google, from culture, to hiring, to making decisions.
AmazonIf you could only read one computer science book, this would be it. More than forty years old, it’s as relevant as ever. I promise you’ll nod your head as Brooks skewers mistakes that engineering leaders continue to make to this day.
AmazonThe sequel to Inspired, this book explores what the best product companies have in common. “Most people think it’s because these companies are somehow able to find and attract a level of talent that makes this innovation possible. But the real advantage these companies have is not so much who they hire, but rather how they enable their people to work together to solve hard problems and create extraordinary products.”
AmazonIf you could only read one book on product management, this would be it. Marty has had a long and storied product management career, and is the founder of Silicon Valley Product Group.
AmazonI’m an introvert and I spent years treating it as a weakness. Susan’s book opened my eyes to the unique contributions introverts make. Even if you’re not an introvert yourself, I guarantee you work with lots of them.
AmazonThe chilling story of Theranos. Many lessons in here about what can happen when you don’t act ethically and don’t trust your people.
AmazonIf you appreciated my essay 10x Not 10%, you’ll enjoy Catmull’s book about putting 10x into practice. He draws from the success – and failures – of Pixar to teach us how to lead creative teams.
AmazonChristensen is back with a new book which explores one of his approaches to combating the Innovator’s Dilemma: Jobs-To-Be-Done.
AmazonThe most important business and product management book of the past fifty years. If you’re a technology PM and you haven’t read Christensen, do so right now.
AmazonThe Innovator’s Dilemma’s equally essential follow-up. How product managers can fight the innovator’s dilemma.
AmazonA good general overview of several of the concepts on the future of work that I’ve covered in my essays and talks.
AmazonWhy do some products take hold while others quietly fail? Highly recommended for any PM building consumer products.
AmazonProduct managers need to be master negotiators and there’s no better guide to negotiation than this classic.
AmazonAbraham Lincoln surrounded himself with his opponents, gradually turning them into admirers and influential advisors. Lincoln’s approach to leadership offers lessons for anyone looking to tap into the wisdom of others, with or without formal authority.
AmazonThis one only gets better with age. Although it’s only mentioned briefly, this is where Andy Grove first introduced OKRs to the world. His practical advice about meetings, especially the importance of 1-on-1s, inspired my own writing.
AmazonThe instant classic about why some ideas thrive, why others die, and how to improve your idea’s chances.
AmazonThe most truly practical startup management book. Ben cuts through the B.S. and addresses the messy ambiguity of the real world in entertaining fashion.
AmazonProduct managers need a solid foundation in statistics to be metrics-driven. This classic book is a lively and fun book will leave you smarter and more skeptical.
AmazonOne of the best biographies of all time, of the greatest product manager of all time.
AmazonA new addition to this list, marketing as storytelling.
AmazonWhen does our animal brain make decisions for us before our more analytical brain has a chance to think through the consequences? From Nobel laureate Kahneman, this is one of the most important psychology books ever written.
AmazonProduct managers need to be good writers, and this is how you learn from one of the masters of the craft.
AmazonThis lighthearted book about user interface design is fun to read, and chock full of lessons for PMs.
AmazonReal-world, practical advice for PMs. Focused on communication, organization, research, and execution.
AmazonLevy was given unprecedented access to Google, and the result is what I consider to be an accurate depiction of how the company operates. A good overview of how Google product managers work.
AmazonThe classic technology marketing book. Moore was the first to evaluate the role of early adopters.
AmazonMoore’s follow-up tells you what to do after you’ve crossed the chasm, when it’s make-or-break around your ability to reach mainstream customers.
AmazonAfter you read Norman’s book you’ll notice design everywhere, both good and bad. A classic in the field of design.
AmazonDan’s book is a perfect companion to Lean Startup, with lots of tactical advice and techniques for putting lean methodologies into practice.
AmazonMelissa Perri explains how laying the foundation for great product management can help companies solve real customer problems while achieving business goals. By understanding how to communicate and collaborate within a company structure, you can create a product culture that benefits both the business and the customer.
AmazonThe classic marketing book, one of the first to specifically address positioning your product in a consumer’s mind.
AmazonThis book started a revolution in product development, and introduced us to the now-ubiquitous concepts of the MVP and the pivot. Essential book for startup product managers.
AmazonA blistering takedown of pop management books. It will sharpen your skepticism about the management advice anyone gives you (including me).
AmazonKim built Google’s AdSense business and then went on to to create Apple’s highly regarded manager training program. Her book shows you how to be forthright and honest, without being a jerk.
AmazonListening is one of the most important product management skills. Learn how to connect to customers, co-workers, and team members with this beautifully illustrated and accessible book.
AmazonThe founding editor of The Wall Street Journal’s sports section looks at the leadership qualities of the most successful sports leaders in history. And they’re not what you think.
AmazonCan't find the time to read? Learn how I am able to read more than a book a week. It's easier than you think.
The titles of these product manager books link to Amazon.com through their affiliate program. I donate all proceeds to charity and also match the donation on a two-for-one basis.
If you're interested in growing as a product manager or product leader, I offer product leadership coaching. I've worked with everyone from new grads just starting their PM careers to experienced executive-level product leaders. Visit my product management coaching page if you'd like to more and to schedule a free discovery session.