books about writing that actually help

I've read a lot of books about writing, and most of them didn't help me become a better writer. a lot of books about writing are ... unhelpful, actually.

so here is a list of only the most practical books I've read about writing. (note: this isn't to say other books I've read about writing aren't good and enjoyable and worth reading, just that they aren't the type you can read and immediately apply and do a better job of being a writer as a result!)