Template preview · Starter
Twelve Pieces Worth Reading
Build a short reading list that earns its place.
A deliberate reading list with selection criteria, notes, and a practical rhythm.
- Structure
- 4 sections
- Criteria
- 12
- Sources
- 6
- Watches
- 5
- Default approach
- Review first
Set the purpose first. Then change every section, criterion, and agent setting before anything runs.
Fictional sample
Structure and criteria
Sample content shows the shape of a useful document. Copying it is optional.
01 Review firstReading intent
Define what this list should change in your understanding or practice.
Criteria
- States a question narrow enough to test, such as how LLMs differ from RNNs, not "understand AI"
- Sets exclusions for topics and formats
- Names the decision or piece of work the reading will inform
Sources
- Wikipedia REST summaries en.wikipedia.orgOrientation on a topic and its sub-areas.
- Open Library search API openlibrary.orgBooks by subject to see the range available.
02 Review firstReading list
Choose a varied, high-signal set of pieces.
Criteria
- Each piece has author, format, date or edition and a one-sentence tie to the intent
- Spans at least three formats and does not rest on one school of thought or one era
- At least four pieces cite or respond to others in the list
Sources
- OpenAlex works API docs.openalex.orgPapers by topic, with citation counts.
- Open Library API openlibrary.orgEditions, dates and access paths for books.
- Crossref REST API api.crossref.orgVerify a paper's metadata and DOI.
Watches
- Checks api.openalex.org weekly
- Follows Reading intent
Agent may read api.openalex.org, openlibrary.org, api.crossref.org and search the web.
03 Review firstReading rhythm
Make time for the list without pretending every week is identical.
Criteria
- Sets a pace from actual reading time per piece, not a weekly target nobody can meet
- Names at least two catch-up windows, such as after travel, with no penalty
- Schedules a reflection after every three or four pieces
Sources
- American Time Use Survey (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgTypical weekly leisure reading time as a sanity check.
Watches
- Follows Reading list
04 Review firstNotes and links
Capture durable ideas and connections between pieces.
Criteria
- Each finished piece has a passage with page or timestamp, quoted or paraphrased
- At least three notes link pieces as agrees with, contradicts or extends
- Half the pieces record a decision or action they prompted
Watches
- Follows Reading list
- Follows Reading intent