Top Python books curated by experts

At MentorCruise, we are all about making the most out of the experience of others. As part of that, we have connected and asked dozens of experts and professionals about their favourite Python books – and here are the answers.

  • Curated by industry experts
  • Proven learning resources
  • Updated annually
Top Python books recommended by experts
User Check

Did you know?

We have over 3,000 mentors available right now!

Fundamentals of Python

Understanding the concepts of Python starts with understanding the fundamentals. On your way to mastery, it's crucial for you to understand how certain concepts were derived, and why things work like they do. Starting with these resources is the best way to do so.

High Performance Python

High Performance Python

Your Python code may run correctly, but you need it to run faster. Updated for Python 3, this expanded edition shows you how to locate performance bottlenecks and significantly speed up your code in high-data-volume programs. By exploring the fundamental theory behind design choices, High Perfor…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 2nd Edition: Practical Programming for Total Beginners

Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 2nd Edition: Practical Programming for Total Beginners

If you've ever spent hours renaming files or updating spreadsheet cells, you know how tedious tasks like these can be. But what if you could have your computer do them for you? Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 2nd Edition teaches even the technically uninclined how to write programs that d…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Python Cookbook

Python Cookbook

If you need help writing programs in Python 3, or want to update older Python 2 code, this book is just the ticket. Packed with practical recipes written and tested with Python 3.3, this unique cookbook is for experienced Python programmers who want to focus on modern tools and idioms.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Python for Beginners: A Crash Course Guide to Learn Python in 1 Week

Python for Beginners: A Crash Course Guide to Learn Python in 1 Week

Become a Python Programming Expert With Ease! Python is a simple yet powerful programming language that can enable you to start thinking like a programmer right from the beginning. It is very readable and the stress many beginners face about memorizing arcane syntax typically presented by other …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Serious Python: Black-Belt Advice on Deployment, Scalability, Testing, and More

Serious Python: Black-Belt Advice on Deployment, Scalability, Testing, and More

An indispensable collection of practical tips and real-world advice for tackling common Python problems and taking your code to the next level. Features interviews with high-profile Python developers who share their tips, tricks, best practices, and real-world advice gleaned from years of experi…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Grokking Algorithms: An Illustrated Guide for Programmers and Other Curious People

Grokking Algorithms: An Illustrated Guide for Programmers and Other Curious People

Grokking Algorithms is a friendly take on this core computer science topic. In it, you'll learn how to apply common algorithms to the practical programming problems you face every day. You'll start with tasks like sorting and searching.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Additional Python Reading

These books are not required for you to learn Python, but they are highly recommended for you to deepen your knowledge.

Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python

Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python

Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python teaches you how to program in the Python language. Each chapter gives you the complete source code for a new game, and then teaches the programming concepts from the examples. Games include Guess the Number, Hangman, Tic Tac Toe, and Reversi.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Machine Learning with PyTorch and Scikit-Learn: Develop Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models with Python

Machine Learning with PyTorch and Scikit-Learn: Develop Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models with Python

Machine Learning with PyTorch and Scikit-Learn is a comprehensive guide to machine learning and deep learning with PyTorch. It acts as both a step-by-step tutorial and a reference you'll keep coming back to as you build your machine learning systems.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Coding for Kids: Python: Learn to Code with 50 Awesome Games and Activities

Coding for Kids: Python: Learn to Code with 50 Awesome Games and Activities

Learning to code isn't as hard as it sounds―you just have to get started! Coding for Kids: Python starts kids off right with 50 fun, interactive activities that teach them the basics of the Python programming language. From learning the essential building blocks of programming to creating their …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Causal Inference and Discovery in Python: Unlock the Secrets of Modern Causal Machine Learning with DoWhy, EconML, PyTorch and More

Causal Inference and Discovery in Python: Unlock the Secrets of Modern Causal Machine Learning with DoWhy, EconML, PyTorch and More

Causal Inference and Discovery in Python helps you unlock the potential of causality. You'll start with basic motivations behind causal thinking and a comprehensive introduction to Pearlian causal concepts, such as structural causal models, interventions, counterfactuals, and more.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Head First Python

Head First Python

Head First Python, you'll quickly grasp Python's fundamentals, working with the built-in data structures and functions. Then you'll move on to building your very own webapp, exploring database management, exception handling, and data wrangling.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Learn Python in One Day and Learn it Well: Python for Beginners with Hands-on Project : the Only Book You Need to Start Coding in Python Immediately

Learn Python in One Day and Learn it Well: Python for Beginners with Hands-on Project : the Only Book You Need to Start Coding in Python Immediately

Have you always wanted to learn computer programming but are afraid it'll be too difficult for you? Or perhaps you know other programming languages but are interested in learning the Python language fast? This book is for you. You no longer have to waste your time and money learning Python from …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Specializations and Deeper Python Knowledge

You've got your basics in order – time to move on to some advanced and specialized concepts. Python is evolving every day, these books can help you master it.

Python Cookbook: Recipes for Mastering Python 3

Python Cookbook: Recipes for Mastering Python 3

This book is aimed at more experienced Python programmers who are looking to deepen their understanding of the language and modern programming idioms. Much of the material focuses on some of the more advanced techniques used by libraries, frameworks, and applications.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

This list is curated by MentorCruise and can include Amazon affiliate links. Have any other suggestions? Add here.

Augment your Python books

There is no better source of accountability and motivation than having a personal mentor. What used to be impossible to find is now just two clicks away! All mentors are vetted & hands-on!

Still not convinced? Don't just take our word for it

We've already delivered 1-on-1 mentorship to thousands of students, professionals, managers and executives. Even better, they've left an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 for our mentors.

Find a Python mentor