Hacking is about solving a series of specific problems. Reading will give you direct insight into another's pre-established knowledge, but it's probably not relevant, and it may not be correct.

Code kata in my opinion is the superior way to learn. Code through practice and repetition, just like every other skill.

Ironically, you can read a book about it https://www.amazon.com/Pragmatic-Programmer-journey-mastery-...

https://www.amazon.com/Pragmatic-Programmer-journey-mastery-...

A new version of "The Pragmatic Programmer" recently came out. [EDIT: not available yet, only preorder at amazon, beta version available at pragprog.com.] That book is all about tools and methods that a self-taught programmer should look into:

https://www.amazon.com/Pragmatic-Programmer-journey-mastery-...