We’re on the cusp of 2010 which means every Dick and Jane has come out with their “best of” list, and I’m adding another to the pile. At least mine is short (and hopefully helpful). This past year I’ve been cleansing my brain by reading more classic fiction, but I do have a few fantastic industry-related reads to recommend.

Here are my top three 2009 publications:

1. Designers Don’t Read by Austin Howe

It was the title that first grabbed my attention because admittedly I think it’s somewhat true. Designers are often more stimulated by visuals and less by written words – more eye-candy, less black and white. But if you’re offended, don’t be. Throughout this book, Austin Howe gives designers, specifically smart, strategic designers, a huge pat on the back. Actually, more like a hug. He loves ‘em.

For someone that’s only worked in the design industry, I really appreciate Howe’s unique perspective. He has a great deal of experience in both the advertising and design worlds which affords him a special “bird’s-eye view.” His essays deliver bite-size inspiration and challenges for creative professionals, and by “bite-size” I’m referring to the fact that the beginning of each essay is labeled with how long it will take the average reader to complete it (ex. 2.0 min), kind of brilliant and amusing. His essays touch on a variety of topics ranging from redefining the term “graphic design” to the decline of the advertising art director to criticizing the “decorator” status some designers are boiled down to. It’s a great, easy read and that neon orange is f-ing awesome.

Designers Don’t Read is available here >

2. HTML and CSS Web Standards Solutions – A Web Standardistas’ Approach by Christopher Murphy and Nicklas Persson

For all the interactive designers out there who don’t actually practice XHTML and CSS, this book is meant for you. It’s absolutely wonderful. Calling A Web Standardistas’ Approach a “how to” book seems to undervalue it a bit, but that’s probably the best description – it guides you through each step in setting up a website from start to finish. It’s written in an easy-to-understand style that consistently circles back to earlier, fundamental lessons so you’re never lost as your progress, and each chapter ends with a practical assignment so you can put your new knowledge in action.

More importantly, the book does a fantastic job explaining the importance of web standards (hence the name), accessibility and cross-browser compatibility. Even if you don’t plan on coding much in the future, you’ll be a more informed designer such as understanding Plain Old Semantic HTML (POSH), considering CSS language when fine tuning your web typography and more.

A Web Standardistas’ Approach is available here >

3. The Satorialist by Scott Schuman

This third one is a bit of a wild card but definitely another winner. Whether or not you’re already a fan of Scott Schuman’s blog TheSatorialist.com, I would recommend his book to anyone. Schuman is a highly influential fashion photographer that selectively shoots people he encounters on the streets around the world. His work has been chronicled on the blog since 2005 and now a collection of his photos are available in this book.

In all fairness, I’m naturally drawn to this particular publication because it’s eye-candy, it’s visually beautiful, but more importantly I think it’s a gem in terms of inspiration. In the design industry, it’s easy to get tunnel vision and not consider what’s going on in the broader creative community, but there’s so much more to discover in the other fields (architecture, fashion, music, industrial design, etc.) than there is in opening up last year’s design annual. The Satorialist’s book design is also sporting neon orange. Win.

The Satorialist is available here >

Happy New Year!