The reason for these texts is not because they are overtly insightful or well written, it is because they have a large number of problems with completely coded solutions. After working through these basics, programming interviews are much more enjoyable.
1. Programming pearls, http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Pearls-2nd-Jon-Bentley/dp/...
2. Effective C++, http://www.amazon.com/Effective-Specific-Improve-Programs-De...
3. Programming Problems, http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Problems-Primer-Technical-...
The reason for these texts is not because they are overtly insightful or well written, it is because they have a large number of problems with completely coded solutions. After working through these basics, programming interviews are much more enjoyable.