Diving into SAP consulting can feel like stepping onto a fast-moving train. You’ve got this massive ecosystem of enterprise software that’s powering businesses worldwide, and if you’re aiming to build a career here, it’s not just about certifications or online courses. SAP books offer that deeper, more reflective way to absorb knowledge—something you can revisit, highlight, and apply over time. Whether you’re a newbie trying to break in or a mid-level consultant looking to level up, the right reads can sharpen your technical skills, boost your soft abilities, and give you insider tips on navigating projects. In this piece, I’ll highlight some standout books that have helped countless professionals grow in SAP consulting. They’re a mix of career guides and module-specific dives, chosen for their practicality and relevance today. Foundational Career Guides Let’s start with the foundational stuff. If you’re just getting your feet wet, career-oriented SAP books are gold. They don’t drown you in code or configs right away; instead, they map out the landscape and show you how to position yourself. The Essential SAP Career Guide: Hitting the Ground Running by Tanya Duncan This one’s like a roadmap for anyone eyeing SAP roles. Duncan draws from her own experiences to cover job searches, interviews, and even picking the right module. What I like is how it includes chats with pros from different paths—consultants, project managers, you name it. It’s straightforward, with tips on building a resume that stands out and understanding SAP’s vast world. If you’re transitioning from another field, this book helps you hit the ground, well, running. It’s not overly technical, making it perfect for beginners, but even seasoned folks might pick up networking ideas. Around 200 pages, it’s a quick read that packs a punch for career planning. Success In SAP Consulting: An Eye-Opening Guide by Rahul Mathur Mathur gets real about the competitive side of SAP. He breaks down trends, like the shift to S/4HANA, and how consulting firms operate. You’ll learn about niches—think cloud integration or analytics—and ways to switch from your current gig. The book’s strength lies in its practical advice: avoiding common pitfalls, building expertise fast, and even dealing with cutthroat job markets. It’s eye-opening, as the title says, especially if you’re wondering about long-term growth. Mathur’s style is conversational, almost like chatting with a mentor over coffee. If motivation is what you need alongside strategy, this is it. The Road to Success: Transitioning from SAP End User to Consultant by Steven A. Palmer Perfect if you’re already using SAP in a day job and want to flip to consulting. Palmer covers the mindset shift—from routine tasks to problem-solving for clients. He dives into networking, marketing your skills, and handling client relationships. There’s stuff on time management and planning your career arc, with examples from real consultants. It’s comprehensive without being overwhelming, and the focus on lucrative aspects, like freelancing versus in-house, makes it timely. If you’re stuck in end-user mode, this book shows the path forward. Technical SAP Books for Deep Dives Moving to technical SAP books, these are where you build the muscle for actual consulting work. SAP consulting often means specializing in modules like finance, sales, or supply chain, so picking ones that align with your interests is key. SAP S/4HANA: An Introduction by Devraj Bardhan and Co-Authors This is essential because S/4HANA is the future of SAP—real-time data, AI integration, all that jazz. The book explains the basics: what it offers businesses, how it differs from older ERP systems, and deployment options. For consultants, it’s great for understanding architecture and extensibility. The authors, with their global experience, include case studies that show real implementations. If you’re consulting on migrations, this gives you the big picture. It’s updated regularly, so grab the latest edition for current trends. Around 500 pages, but the structure makes it digestible. Implementing SAP ERP Sales & Distribution by Glynn C. Williams For sales-focused consultants, this is a must. Williams walks you through configuring SD modules—from master data to billing and shipping. It’s hands-on, with tips for integrating with other areas like finance. What sets it apart is the focus on real-world scenarios: handling global sales, contracts, and even advanced pricing. If you’re starting as an SD consultant, this builds your foundation strong. It’s a bit older, but the core concepts hold up, and it’s praised for clarity. Consultants often refer back to it during projects. Configuring Financial Accounting in SAP ERP by Narayanan Veeriah On the finance side, this hefty tome—over 900 pages—covers everything from general ledger to accounts payable and receivable. Veeriah uses step-by-step instructions and examples to show custom setups. For consultants, it’s invaluable for matching SAP to client needs, like lease accounting or consolidation. The updated edition includes EHP 8 features. If FI is your jam, this deepens your expertise and helps with troubleshooting. It’s technical, so pair it with practical experience. Complementary Skills and Resources Don’t overlook soft skills books that complement these. For instance, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie isn’t SAP-specific, but in consulting, client interactions are everything. Carnegie’s timeless advice on communication and leadership can make or break projects. Many SAP pros swear by it for building relationships during implementations. Beyond books, think about blending these reads with other resources. Online forums, SAP communities, and even webinars can reinforce what you learn. But books provide that uninterrupted focus that’s hard to beat. Wrapping It Up: Building Your SAP Library To wrap up, these SAP books aren’t just shelf fillers—they’re tools for growth. Mix reading with hands-on practice, like SAP trials or certifications, and you’ll see your career accelerate. Consulting is about solving problems, so use these to stay ahead. Whether you’re aiming for senior roles or specializing, investing time in them pays off. Pick one that resonates, dive in, and watch how it transforms your approach. Your SAP journey might just get a whole lot smoother.  

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The Tokyo Art Book Fair (TABF) returns in its 15th edition, expanding to two separate weeks for the first time, showcasing a diverse lineup of global art publishers and independent presses. This dynamic event is a must-visit platform celebrating the evolving landscape of art publishing. This year, the “GUEST COUNTRY” program spotlights Italy, exploring its rich publishing culture through exhibitions like YES YES YES Revolutionary Press in Italy 1966–1977 and OUT OF THE GRID: Italian Zine 1978–2006. Highlights include showcases by Corraini, an Italian publisher renowned for its innovative picture books by Bruno Munari, Enzo Mari, and Ettore Sottsass. Other features include a photography exhibition by Takashi Homma focusing on refugees worldwide, an archival presentation from Pace Gallery, and a festive “BOOK WRAPPING CORNER” with special wrapping papers designed by Bruno Munari, Norio Nakamura, and David Horvitz. The fair offers a packed schedule of talks, workshops, book signings, live performances, a kids’ area called “PLAYGROUND,” and community initiatives like “NEIGHBORS.” Visitors can also explore booths from brands like Sigma, New Balance, Bang & Olufsen, and more. Join us at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo from December 11–14 and December 19–21, 2025, to celebrate creativity, culture, and the future of art publishing. Tickets go on sale November 20th at 12:00 PM. Learn more at tokyoartbookfair.com. Venue: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo – Address: 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0022 Admission: Online ticket (date and time designated) — General: ¥1,000 + ¥165 online booking fee (tax included) *Free for elementary school students and younger. ※Same-day ticket: ¥1,200 (available until 16:00 each day; sales end once sold out). A limited number of same-day tickets will be available. Dates: Week 1 Dates: 12:00-19:00, December 11 (Thu),  2025 Last Admission: 18:30 11:00-18:00, December 12 (Fri) -14 (Sun), 2025 Last Admission: 17:30 Week 2 Dates: 12:00-19:00, December 19 (Fri),  2025 Last Admission: 18:30 11:00-18:00, December 20 (Sat) – 21 (Sun), 2025 Last Admission: 17:30 About TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR started in 2009; the first book fair in Japan to specialize in art publications.Held annually, it gathers independent publishers, gallery presses, bookshops as well as individual artists and groups. The fair has seen constant growth in its scale and content over the years, and the event now gathers more than 350 participants from Japan and abroad and attracts more than 20,000 visitors every year.At the fair, visitors can communicate with and buy publications directly from hundreds of publishers and artists who create unique and innovative art publications; they can also enjoy various events including special exhibitions, talks/panel discussions and film screenings.As the biggest of its kind in Asia, TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR aims to champion and lead art publishing culture in the region, and create the ideal opportunity for visitors to experience the ever evolving, vibrant arena of arts publishing. Photos by Henry Anim Del Rio 

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An ode to Haruki Murakami, this is one of the greatest literary figures in the world. Opened in October 2021, the Murakami Library in Tokyo – AKA The Waseda International House of Literature – is for the fans of the Japanese writer’s works. It is housed in the Waseda International House of Literature and has over 3,000 texts documenting Murakami’s works, including essays, short stories and novels. World-famous Japanese architect Kengo Kuma designed the building, keeping in mind the author’s nature and quirks. The use of curves inside the building, its white exterior and the wooden tunnel around the building symbolise Murakami’s use of the ordinary as well as his sweet, simple and kind-natured deposition. In true Japanese style, Kuma has worked on smaller sections for the visitors to explore. Explore Your Story, Speak Your Heart Inspired by Haruki Murakami’s speech on the occasion of receiving the Hans Christian Andersen Literature Award, Director Kei Shichiri created a theme film for the Waseda International House of Literature. The film speaks from a bird’s eye view of architecture and explores the relationship between people and books through the interplay of light and shadow. Tour of WIHL with Robert Campbell The Waseda International House of Literature opened its doors on October 1, 2021. What are the buildings most exciting features? What does each section of the library aim to accomplish? WIHL Advisor Robert Campbell tours the library, asking staff members about exhibitions (including the opening exhibition that ran through February, 2022) and future plans. This video, made by students from WHK, Waseda University Broadcasting Association club, explores WIHL’s charms down to the smallest details. Facilities Stair Bookshelf：Read Murakami’s books—and many others—in the STAIR BOOKSHELF, symbol of WIHL Cafe：Grab a drink in the student-run CAFE with a menu based on Murakami’s work Lounge／Pocket Park：Take time to relax with a book in the LOUNGE and POCKET PARK Author’s Study：Look inside a detailed replica of the AUTHOR’S STUDY Nameplate those who make donations to The Haruki Murakami Library Fundraising Campaign Gallery：Surround yourself in Murakami—in more than 50 languages—in the GALLERY Audio Room：Hear what Murakami is listening to in the AUDIO ROOM Reading Space：Come see Haruki Murakami’s bibliography in the READING SPACE. The price of a ticket is around USD 15. Visit The Haruki Murakami Library here  

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