Best of 2008 · Top 10 Books

Best of 2008

The 10 highest-scoring books whose peak discussion occurred in 2008.

01
Cover of Learning Python

Learning Python

O'Reilly
A comprehensive reference guide for learning Python from fundamentals to advanced concepts. HN readers recommend it as thorough and complete for beginners, though note it can be dry and tedious.
Score
62.8
Sent.
39.3/100
Mixed
Subst.
65.3/100
Substantive
Diverse
100.0/100
Extremely Diverse
Story
57.2/100
Good Stories
Mentions
22
Threads
16
Commenters
22
02

Dive Into Python

Mark Pilgrim
Recommended as a good reference with code samples, but criticized for outdated technology (ODBC) and convoluted examples; defenders note it works well for those who already know how to program.
Score
57.6
Sent.
40.7/100
Mixed
Subst.
45.5/100
Moderate Depth
Diverse
100.0/100
Extremely Diverse
Story
49.7/100
Average
Mentions
28
Threads
11
Commenters
27
03

Principles of Neural Science

Kandel, Jessel, and Schwartz
A comprehensive neuroscience textbook covering the biological basis of nervous system function and behavior. HN commenters humorously suggest it as essential reading to understand addiction neuroscience before allowing children smartphone access.
Score
56.6
Sent.
30.4/100
Mixed
Subst.
73.3/100
Very Substantive
Diverse
79.8/100
Highly Diverse
Story
61.2/100
Good Stories
Mentions
9
Threads
4
Commenters
7
04

Moneyball

Michael Lewis
A sports analytics book about the Oakland Athletics' use of data-driven decision-making to compete against wealthier teams. The HN community appreciates it as a compelling example of Michael Lewis's talent for making engaging narratives from niche subjects.
Score
54.4
Sent.
23.2/100
Slightly Negative
Subst.
68.2/100
Substantive
Diverse
90.0/100
Extremely Diverse
Story
55.8/100
Good Stories
Mentions
8
Threads
7
Commenters
7
05

What is Mathematics?

Courant and Robbins
Covers diverse mathematical topics with exposition emphasizing geometric intuition and historical context.
Score
52.5
Sent.
30.4/100
Mixed
Subst.
39.3/100
Surface-Level
Diverse
94.8/100
Extremely Diverse
Story
68.4/100
Good Stories
Mentions
9
Threads
7
Commenters
9
06

The General Theory of Interest, Employment, and Money

John Maynard Keynes
John Maynard Keynes' 1936 foundational text establishing the intellectual framework for understanding economic crises through Keynesian economics. HN readers consider it a must-read economics classic despite its difficulty, describing it as turgid but worth the effort to understand Keynes' actual arguments.
Score
51.7
Sent.
23.2/100
Slightly Negative
Subst.
52.7/100
Moderate Depth
Diverse
87.1/100
Highly Diverse
Story
74.3/100
High-Quality
Mentions
8
Threads
6
Commenters
7
07

Timeline

Michael Crichton
Mentioned as an example of science fiction exploring teleportation paradoxes where a duplicated person raises philosophical questions about identity.
Score
50.6
Sent.
17.0/100
Negative
Subst.
74.1/100
Very Substantive
Diverse
76.9/100
Highly Diverse
Story
60.4/100
Good Stories
Mentions
8
Threads
4
Commenters
6
08

The Andromeda Strain

Michael Crichton
A techno-thriller about a team of scientists investigating a deadly extraterrestrial microorganism. This is cited as a commenter's favorite Michael Crichton novel.
Score
49.9
Sent.
20.0/100
Slightly Negative
Subst.
54.6/100
Moderate Depth
Diverse
91.9/100
Extremely Diverse
Story
53.0/100
Good Stories
Mentions
9
Threads
6
Commenters
9
09

Sphere

Michael Crichton
A commenter references this as an example where characters all agree on an idea, in contrast to the Contact movie's tension.
Score
49.7
Sent.
29.1/100
Slightly Negative
Subst.
47.7/100
Moderate Depth
Diverse
84.7/100
Highly Diverse
Story
50.3/100
Good Stories
Mentions
9
Threads
4
Commenters
9
10

Just for Fun: The Story of an Accidental Revolutionary

Linus Torvalds
A darkly satirical military novel exploring the absurdities of war and bureaucracy through impossible logic. HN community considers it one of the best novels ever written, with themes that prove less exaggerated than actual historical reality.
Score
45.9
Sent.
23.2/100
Slightly Negative
Subst.
42.9/100
Moderate Depth
Diverse
77.5/100
Highly Diverse
Story
65.0/100
Good Stories
Mentions
5
Threads
5
Commenters
5