When I started my PhD in September 2024, I didn’t have any real clue what a PhD is about. So, I did what I usually do when I want to learn about something: I looked up the best books about the topic and started reading them.
Here is the list of books I’ve read and intend to read. I’ll keep updating this list as I’ll go along. Do reach out if you’ve read great books that you want to share with me.
Books I’ve read (in order of usefulness)
Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks, Second Edition – Wendy Laura Belcher
I am still reading this book, but already I can’t imagine a better book to help you write a scientific article than this one. It makes no assumptions, takes a full-service approach, and I like its author’s ‘politics’.
The Lean PhD – Julian Kirchherr
I really enjoyed this short and sensible book. In it, Kirchherr applies the lean methodology that many startups use (things like a ‘minimum viable product’) to the PhD process. It leads him to give some very specific and opinionated advice on how to approach the process, often based on evidence. I will certainly heed some of it during my PhD journey.
The Unwritten Rules of PhD Research (Third Edition) – Gordon Rugg and Marian Petre
A solid (and very standard) introduction to the academic side of PhD life. It helped me get a slightly better grasp of what exactly is expected in a PhD. Even though a lot of the skills advice is quite basic, I did enjoy some of the practical parts. The focus of the authors on reputation and academic signalling felt very conservative but is something that I will likely have to take on board, at least partially.
Books I am still planning to read
Helping Doctoral Students Write – Barbara Kamler and Pat Thomson
Allegedly, this book is also great for people supervising PhD students.
How to Write a Lot – Paul J. Silvia