One of the most popular questions asked to socialists, often meant to shut them up in a discussion over societal issues is "Well, what do we do then?" Yet without a clear theoretical and historical background, this question will flounder socialists who have just found their footing. Thus, a reading list is required.

Reading theory shouldn't just be Karl Marx's Das Capital (itself too dense to begin with), or just skimming Lenin once. Some of the best articles are short, such as Frederick Engels' On Authority, or Mao Tse-tung's Combat Liberalism. By starting small, a reader can build their stamina and get an understanding of socialist movements, from the Bolshevik revolution to the Cuban revolution. My compiled list aims to be easily read and building up to bigger books.