I think I am asking generic question.

Being a developer in windows what should I read to improve my skills?

Do I need to read concepts on need basis or do I need to read concepts well in advance?

If I want to read the concepts in advance then what topics do I need to read.

(Note : I am a Windows developer. I use c++ programming language, Win32/MFC frame work and I use Visual studio IDE.)

Updated:

To be more specific when a fresher comes to my team I will ask him to read the following things and I tell him that these are very important.

1)C++ :

   1 The C++ Programming Language by Bjarne Stroustrup's 

   2 Thinking in C++ 2nd Edition by Bruce Eckel

2)Win32/MFC :

   1 Programming Applications for Microsoft Windows by Jeffrey Richter 

   2 windows programming  by charles petzold 

   3 Programming Windows with MFC –by Jeff Prosise

For 2 years and above developer I ask them to read

1)Above concepts (C++ and Win32/MFC)are mandate

2)Design Pattern :

  1)Gang Of Four.

  2)Head first patter.

3)Design princples.

But for above 6 years’ experience developer what are the concepts are important.