A curated list of textbooks, papers, and lecture notes that I find valuable. Roughly ordered by accessibility within each section.
Abstract Algebra & Number Theory
Paolo Aluffi — Algebra: Chapter 0 OMG this book... absolutely love reading it. My first read of Abstract Algebra. It's generally not recommended starting algebra with it, but this was the only book out of 100s of "classic" texts out there, that really clicked with me. I absolutely love sitting down and being patient with it.
Tom M. Apostol — Introduction to Analytic Number Theory working with this book felt quite rewarding. It has the perfect balance between elaborate explanation and conciseness throughout the text. The text flows effortlessly. I would 100% recommend solving all the exercise problems.
Graph Theory
Reinhard Diestel — Graph Theory my first graph theory read. It was really challenging, but it really catered my "rigorous-intuition" based approach to mathematics.
DB West — Introduction to Graph Theory great book to start learning the subject. It's more or less written like a standard introductory text, with all the definitions and axioms just written out there without discussions on "why we need them," which is fine and generally recommended for a beginner's text. I mostly studied it because my professor was directly following this book. I really liked studying Planar Graphs and Ramsey Theory from this book tho, amazing.
Real Analysis
Stephen Abbott — Understanding Analysis the best book I have ever read. Approaches the subject exactly like how I try to study mathematics in general. Read every word of it and solve all the exercises, really helps with proof writing skills. And yes, read the epilogues as well :)
This list reflects my personal recommendations as of 2026. It is not exhaustive — just what I've found most useful.