Kernel Hacker's Bookshelf: The Practice of Programming

Thank you Val for the recommendation. Your review is spot-on. This has got to be one of the most eye-opening books (still reading ..). It shines light on what is "obvious" to every programmer but is seldom followed. I also love the fact that this is not a preachy book, although the BWK and RP are one of the few who could actually preach through a book. In fact, they have held their own feet to the fire by illustrating one of the bugs shipped in their code for years (refer: isoctal()). I'd say, the amount of common sense oozing out of the first chapter alone is worth the money!