B is for Books
A brief list of books I've found useful over the years.
While this is not an exhaustive list of the books I've read on my journey to become a data scientist, it is comprised of the books I consider my essential reading.
Statistics
The Cartoon Guide to Statistics
An engaging reference book which explains key concepts like descriptives statistics, distributions, probability, hypothesis testing.
The Manga Guide to Statistics
Similar to the title above, but this book has a plot that runs through it. Consequently, if you find analogies easier to remember than formulas, this is a great book for you.
Data Science
R
R for Data Science
After completing several DataCamp courses, I started using R to analyze test-taker data and this book was my go to reference for the tidyverse.
Geocomputation in R
My last position required my team and I to travel throughout East Asia to deliver workshops, presentations, and provide client support. This book taught me how to make maps to visualize our reach and impact.
Blogdown: Creating Websites with R Markdown
I would not have been able to create my previous blog without this book. Simply indispensable if you want to create a blog with RStudio.
Python
A Whirlwind Tour of Python
Need to get the gist of Python in a hurry? This is your book.
Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn and TensorFlow
"Chapter 2 End-to-End Machine Learning Project" along with "Appendix B: Machine Learning Project Checklist" are worth the price of the book alone.
Python for Data Analysis
The real name of this book should be Pandas from A-Z. Seriously, work through the examples in Chapter 14 and you will feel infinitely more confident to use pandas in the future.
Concepts
Storytelling with Data
If "a picture is worth a thousand words," make sure it's conveying the intended message. Use this book to learn the principals of conveying precise meaning instead of serving as a distraction or being redundant.
Weapons of Math Destruction
It's good to be told/reminded that models are never neutral.
An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments
Step one of avoiding cognitive biases is to know they exist meaning read this book!
Conclusion
Like I said, the number is small but the impact they've had on me has been massive. Please comment below and tell me which books have impacted you the most during your journey.