14 Best FAANG Interview Books in 2024 [Get a FAANG Job]

FAANG interview books are for developers who are ready to get hired at their dream job.

🧠 Did you know? According to Recruiterbox, many FAANG interviewers expect you to solve a problem in under 30 minutes?

That means you need to practice.

So today we’re looking at the best FAANG interview books of all time.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation if you buy something. Read my disclosure for more details.

So we found 14 of the best FAANG interview books out there to help you get started.

TLDR: Best FAANG Interview Books This Year

We picked the absolute best FAANG interview books based on the following criteria:

🔥 Best Overall 🔥
Cracking the Coding Interview

💥 Best for Newbies 💥
Grokking Algorithms

💸 Best Value 💸
Programming Interviews Exposed

Best FAANG Interview Books

Maybe you’re looking for system design questions. Or perhaps you want tips on passing the whiteboarding interview.

Either way, we think there’s something for everyone preparing for their FAANG interview.

1. Cracking the Coding Interview

Cracking the Coding Interview has long been regarded as the Holy Grail of FAANG interview books.

Author Gayle Laakmann McDowell has experience both as a software engineer and interviewer at FAANG companies.

➡️ And we think Cracking the Coding Interview is one of the best FAANG interview books of all time.

The first part of the book walks you through the interview process.

In addition, you’ll take a look behind the scenes at FAANG companies. And you’ll learn what they look for in interviews.

Also, you’ll learn about behavioral questions, technical questions and navigating the job offer.

The second half of the book covers 189 programming questions asked at actual FAANG interviews.

Problems range from easy to difficult.

Every problem contains hints that you’d get at actual interviews. Then there’s a solution walkthrough.

Most solutions are written in Java.

Read our full review of Cracking the Coding Interview.

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2. Grokking Algorithms

Grokking Algorithms by Aditya Bhargava isn’t a FAANG interview book per se.

Rather, it’s a book to help you hone in on your algorithm skills before you prepare for the interview.

So while you’ll cover plenty of algorithms, you won’t cover interview skills found in Cracking the Coding Interview.

➡️ Grokking Algorithms is one of the best FAANG interview books for developers that need to master algorithms to get a FAANG job.

You’ll start with the basics such as sorting and searching.

Then you’ll graduate to more complex concepts like data compression and artificial intelligence.

Every example contains diagrams and fully annotated code samples.

In addition, there are over 400 illustrations.

By the end of Grokking Algorithms you’ll have mastered a vast array of algorithms.

Furthermore, you’ll know where to implement them.

All code samples are written in Python.

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3. Programming Interviews Exposed

In addition to problems and solutions, you’ll also examine complete walkthroughs to explain concepts.

So it’s similar to Cracking the Coding Interview. But Programming Interviews Exposed covers a few concepts you won’t find in Cracking.

➡️ Programming Interviews Exposed by John Mongan, Noah Kindler, et al. is one of our favorite FAANG interview books on our list today. Read our full review.

First you’ll work on traditional problems like data structures and algorithms.

Then you’ll work on more modern problems such as:

• machine learning
• statistics
• data science
• probability

And more.

In addition, you’ll learn how to interact with interviewers to give them the answers they are seeking.

Also, you’ll learn how to effectively navigate phone screen interviews with recruiters.

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4. The Algorithm Design Manual

Steven Skiena, author of The Algorithm Design Manual, uses relatable stories to accompany and reinforce concepts.

➡️ The Algorithm Design Manual is one of the best FAANG interview books on the market.

It’s similar to Grokking Algorithms, but The Algorithm Design Manual is structured a bit differently.

It’s separated into two sections.

First, you’ll learn about methods for designing and analyzing algorithms.

Then, you’ll learn about algorithmic resources and implementations.

The Algorithm Design Manual is heavy with color illustrations.

There are over 100 new algorithm problems. In addition, there are up-to-date links to learn about the best implementations in C, C++ and Java.

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5. Algorithms

Algorithms by Robert Sedgewick and Kevin Wayne is one of the leading textbooks in tech education worldwide.

➡️ It’s one of the best FAANG interview books that also contains a companion course.

This fourth edition examines some of the most important data structures and algorithms in use today. It includes 50 must-know algorithms.

You’ll learn about:

✅ fundamentals

✅ sorting

✅ searching

✅ graphs

✅ strings

✅ context

And much, much more.

The companion course on Coursera contains:

✅ full Java implementations

✅ exercises and answers

✅ programming assignments

✅ test data

✅ visualizations

And much more.

So if you learn better in an academic setting, Algorithms may be the textbook (and course) for you.

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6. Coding Interviews: Questions, Analysis & Solutions

Coding Interviews by Harry He covers 5 components that determine a candidate’s performance.

➡️ Coding Interviews is one of the best FAANG interview books containing detailed solutions with step-by-step walkthroughs.

First of all, you’ll cover the basics of programming languages, data structures and algorithms.

Next, you’ll learn how to write high-quality code. Then, you’ll go over technical tips to solve difficult programming problems.

After that, you’ll learn core methods which optimize code.

Finally, you’ll work on the soft skills required to make any FAANG interview a success.

To illustrate the five components above, you’ll look at questions asked at actual FAANG interviews.

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7. The Complete Coding Interview Guide in Java

The Complete Coding Interview Guide in Java by Anghel Leonard contains over 200 problems. Each problem contains solutions written in Java.

➡️ This FAANG interview book is separated into two sections.

First you will go through non-technical interview questions.

Then, you’ll go through over 200 coding problems and their hands-on solutions.

Some topics include:

✅ arrays

✅ strings

✅ maps

✅ searching

✅ sorting

✅ linked lists

And more.

In addition, you’ll learn about more difficult concepts like concurrency and system scalability.

The Complete Coding Interview Guide in Java will help you build your skills such as how to approach problems in a more efficient way.

By the end of the book, you should be ready to confidently take on your FAANG interview.

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8. 40 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know

40 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know by Imran Ahmad is ideal for developers who want to write efficient code.

It’s similar to The Algorithm Design Manual. But instead of countless problems, you’ll stick to 40 of the most relevant.

➡️ 40 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know is one of the best FAANG interview books for developers serious about building their algorithms base.

First you’ll examine data structures and algorithms that are in Python libraries.

Then you’ll discover how to implement graph algorithms for fraud detection.

In addition, you’ll use machine learning algorithms to process Twitter data in real time.

Then you’ll use supervised learning algorithms to predict weather patterns. Plus, you’ll create a recommendation engine.

This is not an exhaustive list.

40 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know is useful for both beginners and experienced programmers.

All solutions are in Python.

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9. Elements of Programming Interviews in Python

Elements of Programming Interviews in Python by Adnan Aziz, Tsung-Hsien Lee, et al. is ideal for programmers fluent in the Python programming language.

It’s similar to 40 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know. But there are way more problems.

➡️ There are over 250 problems complete with solutions.

In addition, there are over 200 figures to illustrate concepts.

First you’ll learn about non-technical portions of interviews.

This includes:

✅ interview strategies

✅ common mistakes made at interviews

✅ tips on offer negotiation

And much more.

In addition, you’ll learn about some key data structures, algorithms and problem solving techniques.

Then you’ll move onto the interview problems.

They’re separated by concept:

✅ searching

✅ sorting

✅ algorithm design principles

✅ concurrency

Every chapter contains a case study, tips and library methods.

Python not your preferred programming language? Check out Elements of Programming Interviews in C++ or Elements of Programming Interviews in Java.

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10. Coding Interview Questions

Coding Interview Questions by Narasimha Karumanchi contains a series of questions asked at actual FAANG interviews.

➡️ It’s one of the best FAANG interview books for beginner programmers serious about passing the easier technical interviews.

These questions cover:

✅ data structures

✅ algorithms

✅ design interview

And beyond.

Every problem contains a detailed solution.

According to some reviews, some of these FAANG interview questions are basic.

So if you’re looking for more challenging questions, you may want to check out The Design Algorithm Manual.

Coding Interview Questions is ideal for beginners preparing for their FAANG interview.

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11. Daily Coding Problem

With Daily Coding Problem, the idea is that you work on one coding problem per day.

And then you’ll be ready for FAANG interviews.

➡️ Daily Coding Problem by Alex Miller and Lawrence Wu is one of the best FAANG interview books for developers who need coding practice.

With almost 300 pages, you’ll work on problems related to:

✅ linked lists

✅ arrays

✅ heaps

✅ trees

✅ graphs

✅ randomized algorithms

✅ dynamic programming

And much, much more.

There’s also a section on design where you’ll work with data structure design and system design.

Every problem includes a detailed solution which will walk you through the core concepts.

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12. Python Flash Cards: Syntax, Concepts, and Examples

Okay, so I know Python Flash Cards by Eric Matthes isn’t a book.

➡️ But the reason it made the list of best FAANG interview books is because, according to researchers, flashcards are effective practice.

By self-testing, you can hone in on your Python skills and prepare for that FAANG interview.

With 101 challenges, you’ll brush up on your foundational programming skills.

Plus you’ll work through a series of exercises and challenges to deepen your understanding of Python.

In addition, you can work on:

✅ data structures

✅ logical control

✅ program flow

✅ Python syntax

And beyond.

These flashcards might be just the boost you need to help you pass the technical interview in Python.

🔥 Geena’s Hot Take

Trust the studies!

Use flash cards!

Seriously, every time I’ve used flash cards, I’ve done better on a test… By several percentage points.

If you don’t use these Python Flash Cards, do yourself a favor and make some.

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13. Surviving the Whiteboard Interview

Surviving the Whiteboard Interview focuses on using soft skills to get hired at a FAANG.

➡️ We think Surviving the Whiteboard Interview by William Gant is a must-have FAANG interview book.

First, you’ll learn how to overcome the psychological hurdles of the whiteboard interview such as:

✅ public speaking

✅ performing under pressure

✅ interacting with strangers

And beyond.

You’ll learn the soft skills needed to pass the whiteboard interview.

In addition, you’ll learn how to improve certain aspects of your interview by:

✅ tailoring your resume

✅ cleaning up your online persona

✅ pre-interview research

✅ learning during the interview

And more.

Surviving the Whiteboard Interview is an excellent soft skills resource to prepare for FAANG interviews.

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14. System Design Interview

The system design interview is often regarded as one of the most difficult technical interviews.

➡️ System Design Interview by Alex Xu delivers a 4-step framework to solve any system design problem.

Using real-world examples, you’ll work on 16 system design problems like like:

✅ key-value stores

✅ web crawlers

✅ URL shorteners

✅ chat systems

✅ YouTube

✅ Google Drive

And more.

There are 188 diagrams included to demonstrate how different systems operate.

In addition, you’ll learn about what interviewers are looking for.

🏁 When you’re ready to dive into more system design questions, check out Alex Xu’s latest release System Design Interview – An Insider’s Guide: Volume 2.

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FAANG Interview Books: Conclusion

Now let’s look at the top 3 FAANG interview books on our list.

Today we showed you the best FAANG Interview books.

But 3 stood out among the rest:

Best Overall
Cracking the Coding Interview

Best for Newbies
Grokking Algorithms

Best Value
Programming Interviews Exposed

So regardless of your needs, we think these are the best FAANG interview prep books of all time.

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FAANG interview preppers are also reading:

• 12 FAANG Interview Prep Resources You Can’t Afford To Miss Out On
• Coderust: Hacking the Coding Interview review [FAANG interview prep]
• Who is Gayle Laakmann McDowell? [Cracking the Coding Interview Author]
• 11 Best Algorithms Books [Learn Computer Algorithms]
• Zero to Mastery Review: Is ZeroToMastery.io by Andrei Neagoie worth it?

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