There's a book I read a long time ago that had an impact on me.  It is "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamont.  I can't explain why I like it or why I feel you should read it, but it is a book you should place on your to be read pile.

Another book I love is written by Donald Maas.  Most writers have heard about "Writing the Breakout Novel."  I had the chance to meet Mr. Maas at the Columbus Writer's Group Conference many moons ago.  I sat in a lecture by him about making your story leap off the page.  It made me drive home in record time and hop onto the computer to work on my current novel.

The third book I read from cover to cover as soon as I purchased it was Stephen King's "On Writing".  It tells the story of King's life and how he came to be a popular writer.  It's not a "How to Write" in the sense of a self help book, but it does inspire you to forge on and become a writer.

If you're looking for starting books to read when just beginning a writing career or if you have been at it for years but never read them, these three books should stay on your book shelf.