What Is a Curated Reading List? A Guide to Personalized Reading Choices
Ever stare at your Goodreads list, completely stuck on what to read next? Or maybe you’ve bought books that once seemed great, but now they’re collecting dust?
We've all been there.
That's where a curated reading list comes in. Think of it as your personalized reading roadmap. Instead of jumping from one trending book to the next, you choose books that connect to your interests and goals.
Whether you're diving into philosophy, exploring new ways to be productive, or learning about entrepreneurship, having a thoughtfully chosen collection of books lets you explore a topic from different angles.
What Makes a Reading List "Curated"?
What makes a reading list "curated"? It's deliberate rather than random. Instead of grabbing whatever book is trending on TikTok, you're picking books with intention.
Think about the last time you got really interested in a topic. You started with one book that caught your attention, and wanted to learn more. That's the beginning of curation. You might look for:
Different perspectives on the topic
Books that challenge common ideas
A mix of practical guides and bigger-picture thinking
Both classic works and fresh takes
For example, let's say you're interested in building better habits.
You might grab James Clear's Atomic Habits for practical strategies, then check out Charles Duhigg's The Power of Habit for the science behind habit formation, and maybe throw in Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg for yet another approach. Each author brings their own insights to the table, and you'll start to see patterns and connections between their ideas.
Pro Tip: Look for books that disagree with each other. Some of the best insights come from seeing how different experts approach the same problems differently.
Benefits of Curated Reading Lists
Why bother with a curated reading list?
For one thing, it saves you from scrolling Amazon reviews trying to figure out what to read next. We have enough decisions to make every day—picking your next book shouldn't feel like a research project.
But it’s not just saving time. When you've got a solid reading list:
You see how different ideas connect. Maybe that management book you're reading ties in with that psychology book from last month.
You get different takes on the same ideas. It's incredible how many "aha" moments you can have when seeing how different authors approach the same topic.
You stay excited about reading. Having your next few books lined up means you can keep the momentum going when you're into a topic.
You discover hidden gems. Some of the most insightful books aren't bestsellers or trending on social media.
The best part? You don't have to figure it all out on your own.
You can follow recommendations from people you trust in their areas of expertise or build your own lists around topics you care about.
Looking for a place to start? Platforms like Goodreads and StoryGraph are goldmines for curated lists. You can find collections put together by everyone from industry experts to passionate readers. Book clubs, YouTube channels, and even newsletter writers often share curated reading lists. Browse through a few and see what catches your eye.
You may follow a history professor's suggestions for understanding ancient Rome, but create your own collection of books about gardening or creative writing.
Pro Tip: Follow a few reviewers whose taste matches yours. Their "currently reading" lists can be goldmines for finding your next great book.
Think of curating your reading list as creating the perfect playlist. Sometimes you'll use someone else's, and sometimes you'll make your own. Both work great as long as they match what you're looking for.
Common Approaches to Curated Reading Lists
Everyone organizes their reading differently, and that's how it should be. It's like creating a menu—you might organize it by what you're in the mood for, what's in season, or what pairs well together.
Some people like to dive deep into a topic. You may be fascinated by space exploration, so you collect books about astronomy, astronaut memoirs, and histories of NASA.
Or you're planning to start a business, so you gather books about entrepreneurship, marketing, and leadership.
Others organize their reading around what's happening in their lives.
Moving to a new city? Time for some local history books.
Starting a new job? Maybe a mix of industry insights and workplace wisdom.
Getting into meditation? You might want some science-based books alongside practical guides and personal stories.
You might even organize books based on how much mental energy they require. Save those challenging reads for quiet weekend mornings and keep the lighter ones handy for busy weeknights.
It's all about what works for you.
How to Use a Curated Reading List Effectively
So you've found (or created) a reading list that excites you. Now what? Here are some tips:
Browse the entire list first. You want to know your options.
Trust your gut about what to read next. Some days, you might want something practical; others, you're in the mood for big ideas. Go with what feels right.
Notice what hooks you. When a book grabs you, note why. It could be the author's style, the way they use stories, or their unique perspective. This helps you find more books you'll love.
Keep it flexible. Think of your reading list as suggestions, not assignments. If you hear about an exciting book that's not on your list, go for it!
Don't forget about different formats. Mix it up based on your lifestyle. Listen to that business book during your commute, keep a physical copy of that photography guide on your desk, and load your e-reader with novels for vacation. Having options makes it easier to fit reading into your life.
And don't think you need to buy every book on your list. Your local library probably has many of them (including digital versions), and you may be surprised how many friends are happy to lend you their copies.
You can also mix new purchases with borrowed books, focusing your book budget on the ones you'll want to reference again and again.
Pro Tip: Use your library's hold system strategically. Place holds on your next few books while you're reading your current one. They'll show up right when you need them.
The best reading list is one that keeps you excited about reading. If you're enjoying what you read and learning along the way, you're doing it right.
Final Thoughts On Curated Reading Lists
Reading should be fun and fulfilling, not another item on your to-do list. A curated reading list helps you find your next great read without the endless searching. Best of all, these books can spark your curiosity and keep you coming back for more.
Quick-Start Guide:
Pick a topic that interests you right now. Improve your public speaking, dive into climate change, or learn how to bake souffles.
Find a few books that approach it differently. Mix it up with different styles and viewpoints.
Start with whichever book grabs you most. Having the others ready means you can keep the momentum going when you finish.
Notice what you love (or don't!) about each book. This makes it easier to find more books you'll enjoy.
Ready to get started? The world of reading is waiting; there's no wrong way to explore it. Whether you're following someone else's recommendations or building your own reading list, what matters is that you're reading what interests YOU.
Want to create your own curated reading list? Stay tuned for next week's post, where we'll show you how to build a collection that works for you.
