Must-Read Product Management Books for Every Aspiring Product Manager

Thaisa Fernandes
PM101
Published in
4 min readJul 1, 2023

To create, develop, and manage a product or service from ideation to market launch effectively, product managers need to have a strong understanding of the principles and best practices of product management.

One way to gain this knowledge is by reading books written by experienced product managers. In this article, we will discuss some of the most famous product management books.

Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love by Marty Cagan

Marty Cagan is a well-known figure in the product management world, and “Inspired” is his seminal work. The book provides a comprehensive guide to creating successful tech products by focusing on customer needs and desires. It covers topics such as ideation, product discovery, design, development, and launch, providing practical tips and insights along the way.

The Lean Product Playbook: How to Innovate with Minimum Viable Products and Rapid Customer Feedback by Dan Olsen

The Lean Product Playbook is a practical guide to product management that emphasizes the importance of the Lean Startup methodology. The book covers topics such as identifying customer needs, creating a minimum viable product (MVP), testing and validating your product, and scaling your business. It provides numerous examples and case studies to illustrate key concepts.

Cracking the PM Interview: How to Land a Product Manager Job in Technology by Gayle McDowell and Jackie Bavaro

Gayle McDowell and Jackie Bavaro’s “Cracking the PM Interview” is a must-read for anyone interested in pursuing a career in product management. The book provides valuable insights into the product management interview process, including what to expect and how to prepare. It covers topics such as behavioral questions, product design questions, and technical questions.

The Product Manager’s Survival Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Succeed as a Product Manager by Steven Haines

The Product Manager’s Survival Guide is a comprehensive guide to product management that covers every aspect of the job. It provides practical advice on topics such as defining product strategy, developing a product roadmap, creating a product backlog, and working with cross-functional teams. The book also includes numerous templates, checklists, and examples.

Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal

Nir Eyal’s “Hooked” is a fascinating exploration of the psychology behind habit-forming products. The book provides a practical framework for creating products that users can’t put down. It covers topics such as the importance of triggers, the role of rewards, and the power of habits. The book also provides numerous case studies to illustrate key concepts.

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Thaisa Fernandes
PM101
Editor for

Program Management & Product Management | Podcast Host | Co-Author | PSPO, PMP, PSM Certified 🌈🌱