Often called "'The Joy of Cooking' for coding", Code Complete is an excellent book that doesn't say HOW TO code, but is ABOUT coding. Considerations with project size and complexity, coding style, comments, testing strategies, even developer communication are all touched upon.

Many things won't click with people who don't have at least a year or two of development under their belt, but for any kind of programmer, this book contains many gems that are worth referencing for years to come.