Reddit mentions of Organic Synthesis: The Disconnection Approach

Classics in Total Synthesis: Targets, Strategies, Methods Paperback
by K. C. Nicolaou
http://www.amazon.com/Classics-Total-Synthesis-Targets-Strategies/dp/3527292314

Organic Synthesis: The Disconnection Approach Paperback – December
by Stuart Warren
http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Synthesis-The-Disconnection-Approach/dp/0470712368

And the best collection of total synthesis what is found on the internet: http://chemistrybydesign.oia.arizona.edu/app.php

You need to work backwards, figuring out what bonds you can make from two smaller pieces, then continuing to work backwards from those pieces until you get back to something commercially available with 4 carbons or fewer, or cyclohexene. I learned a lot about doing that years ago from the original edition of this book: https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Synthesis-Disconnection-Stuart-Warren/dp/0470712368

Warren (and Wyatt? I've not really seen the updated book) is pretty good

Newer edition at e.g. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Organic-Synthesis-Disconnection-Stuart-Warren/dp/0470712368

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Organic-Synthesis-Disconnection-Stuart-Warren/dp/0470712368

I think this is the one I have, it's definitely by Warren anyway.

Edit:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Designing-Organic-Syntheses-Programmed-Introduction/dp/0471996122

This is the one I have, you might have to shop around to find it a bit cheaper. I think I ended up with the Indian edition or something.

Can third Clayden. If it's specifically synthesis you want to learn about Warren's Syntheisis: The Disconnection Approach and the accompanying work book are good.

The "standard" method for designing a synthetic route to a new target is to apply retrosynthetic analysis - Corey's book (linked in the wikipedia article) is the original text on the subject, but I've heard good things about [Warren's book] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Organic-Synthesis-Disconnection-Stuart-Warren/dp/0470712368) as an introduction.

Speaking as a UK 3rd year undergraduate, Warren's Organic Synthesis: The Disconnection Approach and it's accompanying workbook are exactly what you are looking for - they're simply excellent.

I have never read this book, but I can tell form the title it will likely be helpful.

Organic chemistry is easy-mode, once you understand that memorising and regurgitating every single reaction and transformation is impossible, and start to actually learn how molecules behave.

Once you understand the rules organic chemistry works by, it is a wonderful subject to study.

I also suggest Organic Synthesis, The Disconnection Approach.