Programming Pearls might be another good book that promotes enjoyment of computing; certainly a bit more technical, but I think plenty readable for someone interested.
https://www.amazon.com/New-Hackers-Dictionary-3rd/dp/0262680...
https://www.amazon.com/Programming-Pearls-2nd-Jon-Bentley/dp...
Even if you don't read the book, that first chapter, "Cracking the Oyster", is worth a read. It's a fun problem.
[2]: https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/programming-pearls...
* Code Complete https://www.amazon.com/Code-Complete-Practical-Handbook-Cons...
* Programming Pearls https://www.amazon.com/Programming-Pearls-2nd-Jon-Bentley/dp...
* Pragmatic Programmer https://www.amazon.com/Pragmatic-Programmer-Journeyman-Maste...
Apply again next time you are looking for a job, if Amazon and Google really are the sort of companies you want to work for.
Think back on your interviews and figure out what you did wrong, then study up on that.
And next time, prepare very carefully, with a focus on algorithms and data structures. I would use this book, although it's a bit dated now: https://www.amazon.com/Data-Structures-Algorithms-Alfred-Aho...
This one may also be useful: https://www.amazon.com/Programming-Pearls-2nd-Jon-Bentley/dp...
The classic Programming Pearls is not exactly a book of problems, but a book of ideas.
You can probably examine a few of the ideas and play with them like toys. Toys are more fun than problems.
http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Pearls-2nd-Edition-Bentley...
It hasn't a lot of algorithms per se, but it has a lot of examples of how a different view on a problem can lead to an easier/more performant solution. It also does a good job at explaining tradeoffs. I think it's great for people that have had some basic introduction already.
[Ref link if anyone feels like it: http://amzn.to/1CnQUQ7]
I can whole heatedly recommend Pearls of Functional Algorithm Design http://www.amazon.com/Pearls-Functional-Algorithm-Design-Ric...
It's a good cross between two other excellent books:
- Jon Bentley's Programming Pearls http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Pearls-2nd-Jon-Bentley/dp/...
and
- Chris Okasaki's Purely Function Data Structures http://www.amazon.com/Purely-Functional-Structures-Chris-Oka....
If you haven't read all three, its well worth your while to do so!
And of course if you are going down the rabbit hole of reading Perls of Functional Algorithm Design then you need to read the "how to read Pearls of Functional Algorithm design" as well.
http://www.atamo.com/blog/how-to-read-pearls-by-richard-bird...
[0] http://www.amazon.com/Algorithm-Design-Manual-Steven-Skiena/... [1] http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Pearls-2nd-Edition-Bentley...
1. Programming pearls, http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Pearls-2nd-Jon-Bentley/dp/...
2. Effective C++, http://www.amazon.com/Effective-Specific-Improve-Programs-De...
3. Programming Problems, http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Problems-Primer-Technical-...
The reason for these texts is not because they are overtly insightful or well written, it is because they have a large number of problems with completely coded solutions. After working through these basics, programming interviews are much more enjoyable.
http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Pearls-2nd-Jon-Bentley/dp/...
http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Pearls-2nd-Jon-Bentley/dp/...
http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Pearls-2nd-Jon-Bentley/dp/...
http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Pearls-2nd-ACM-Press/dp/02...
Bentley is also well known for his book "Programming Pearls." The 2nd edition is still in print.
http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Pearls-2nd-ACM-press/dp/02...
http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Pearls-2nd-ACM-Press/dp/02...
https://www.amazon.com/Programming-Pearls-2nd-Jon-Bentley/dp...