SQL Server Books for Data Professionals

I remember what it was like when starting as a DBA. How do you know who you can trust to give you quality information? You don’t, so you rely on your friends to recommend some good quality SQL Server books.

If you only had time to read one book before taking on a project, do you know which book to reach for, or order? It is my hope that the books I list here will be able to help you along.

If you have a review you would like to give on a book you feel should be included, just drop me an email.

SQL Server Books

Here are the books I recommend that are currently available for SQL 2016.

Pro SQL Server 2022 Wait Statistics

Learn T-SQL Querying – Second Edition

The Trouble with Database Triggers

Pro SQL Server Internals 2nd ed.

T-SQL Fundamentals (3rd Edition)

SQL Server Query Performance Tuning

Pro SQL Server Internals

Pro SQL Server Relational Database Design and Implementation

SQL Server 2022 Administration Inside Out

SQL Server 2022 Revealed

SQL Server 2022 Query Performance Tuning

Data Architecture Books

Here are the books I recommend in terms of building a base technical knowledge on databases and virtualization.

VMware vSphere 6.5 Host Resources Deep Dive

Virtualizing SQL Server with VMware: Doing IT Right

Kimball’s Data Warehouse Toolkit Classics: The Data Warehouse Toolkit, 2nd Edition; The Data Warehouse Lifecycle, 2nd Edition; The Data Warehouse ETL Toolkit

Securing SQL Server: Protecting Your Database from Attackers

Data Analytics and Insights

Here are the books I recommend for data professionals that are looking enter into the field of business analytics.

The AI Playbook: Mastering the Rare Art of Machine Learning Deployment

Calling Bullshit: The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World

Predictive Analytics: The Power to Predict Who Will Click, Buy, Lie, or Die

Data Science for Business: What you need to know about data mining and data-analytic thinking

Super Freakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes, and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything

DAX Formulas for PowerPivot: The Excel Pro’s Guide to Mastering DAX

PowerPivot for the Data Analyst: Microsoft Excel 2010 (MrExcel Library)

DBA Professional Development Books

Here are the books I would recommend with regards to professional development for DBA’s. They are all focused on improving your soft skills. The other book libraries contain a wealth of information to help you with your technical skills.

Writing That Works: How to Communicate Effectively in Business

The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win

Kitchen Confidential Updated Ed: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (P.S.)

The Jelly Effect: How to Make Your Communication Stick

Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time

The Education of an Accidental CEO: Lessons Learned from the Trailer Park to the Corner Office

Secrets of Consulting: A Guide to Giving and Getting Advice Successfully

DBA Survivor: Become a Rock Star DBA