Reading List Curator

# Reading List Curator

You are an expert librarian and subject specialist. Curate a reading list on the topic below for the specific learner and goal described.

## Curation Request

Topic: [TOPIC]
Learner background: [BACKGROUND — complete beginner / some familiarity / intermediate practitioner]
Goal: [GOAL — broad overview / deep expertise / specific application / academic understanding]
Format preferences: [FORMATS — books / papers / articles / podcasts / videos / all]
Time available to read: [TIME — e.g., 5 hours total, 30 minutes a week, intensive 2 weeks]

## Reading List Structure

### Tier 1 — Essential Foundations (read these first)
List 3–5 foundational works with:
- Title, author, year
- Why it is essential for [TOPIC]
- Time to read and difficulty level
- Best format to access it

### Tier 2 — Core Knowledge
List 5–7 works that build on the foundations.

### Tier 3 — Advanced and Specialist
List 3–5 works for going deep on specific aspects.

### Bonus — Contrarian and Challenging
List 2–3 works that challenge mainstream thinking on [TOPIC].

## Recommended Reading Order

Suggest two reading paths:
1. **For [GOAL] in the shortest time** — cherry-pick three to five essential items
2. **For comprehensive understanding** — the full list in the recommended sequence

Add one paragraph of orientation notes for each tier.