Dominik Wüst

Book Recommendations

Books I enjoyed reading

Aug 2, 2025 - 3 minute read

TLDR;

A collection of books that I found interesting and enjoyable to read. These books cover a variety of topics, from technology and science to personal development and fantasy.

Cover of Atomic Habits by James Clear. Source: https://www.amazon.de/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/1847941834

Atomic Habits

by James Clear

published in English, 2018

Atomic Habits is a book that delves into the science of habit formation and how small changes can lead to significant improvements in our lives. James Clear provides practical strategies for building good habits and breaking bad ones. The book emphasizes the importance of focusing on systems rather than goals, and how incremental changes can lead to remarkable results over time. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to improve their daily routines and achieve long-term success. Reading this book has helped me build and maintain a structured daily routine, which has been instrumental to the success in my master studies.

Cover of Head First Design Patterns by Eric Freeman, Bert Bates, Kathy Sierra, and Elisabeth Robson. Source: https://www.amazon.de/First-Design-Patterns-Brain-Friendly/dp/0596007124

Head First Design Patterns

by Eric Freeman et al.

published in English, 2014

Head First Design Patterns is an engaging and accessible introduction to design patterns in software development. The book uses a visually rich format to explain concepts in a way that is easy to understand. It covers a wide range of design patterns, including creational, structural, and behavioral patterns, and provides practical examples to illustrate their use. The patterns are applicable in any object-oriented programming language, making it a valuable resource for developers looking to improve their software design skills. This book was my first introduction to design patterns, since then my understanding of software design has grown significantly. I still find myself referring to it when I need a refresher on certain patterns or concepts.

Cover of Game Programming Patterns by Robert Nystrom. Source: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Game-Programming-Patterns-Robert-Nystrom/dp/0990582906?tag=operapc-def-sp-cos-de-21

Game Programming Patterns

by Robert Nystrom

published in English, 2014

Similar to Head First Design Patterns, but with the focus game development. It explores common design patterns used in game programming, such as the Entity-Component-System (ECS) pattern, State pattern, and Command pattern. The book provides practical examples and explanations of how these patterns can be applied to create efficient and maintainable game code. It’s a great resource for both aspiring and experienced game developers looking to enhance their understanding of software design in the context of game development. If you have worked with game engines like Unity or Unreal, you will find many of the patterns familiar. If, like me, you have ever wondered why the developers designed parts of the engine the way they did, then you will find the answers in this book.

Cover of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Source: https://www.amazon.com/Hobbit-J-R-Tolkien/dp/054792822X

The Hobbit

by J.R.R. Tolkien

published in English, 1937

The Hobbit is a classic fantasy novel that follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is reluctantly drawn into an adventure with a group of dwarves and the wizard Gandalf. The prequel to Tolkien’s epic Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit is a tale of courage, friendship, and the discovery of one’s own potential. It’s a timeless story that I enjoyed reading as a child and still find captivating today. Perfect choice for a long train ride or a cozy evening at home.

Cover of Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier. Source: https://www.amazon.de/Rubinrot-Liebe-geht-durch-Zeiten/dp/3401063340

Ruby Red Trilogy

by Kerstin Gier

published in German, 2009

The Ruby Red Trilogy is a captivating teenage fantasy series that follows the adventures of Gwendolyn Shepherd, a teenager who discovers she has the ability to time travel. The series is filled with mystery, romance, and intrigue as Gwendolyn navigates the challenges of her newfound powers and uncovers secrets about her family’s history. The series is perfect for anyone looking for a lighthearted yet engaging read. I read the books as a teenager, jet I still find myself revisiting them from time to time.

Recommendations

Of course, such a list is never complete! If you have any book recommendations that you think I would enjoy, feel free to reach out to me. Happy reading!