This is why there are forums and places like Reddit (RIP?) and Quora (RIP). I come from a really small town and made it further than anyone I know in that tow

This is why there are forums and places like Reddit (RIP?) and Quora (RIP). I come from a really small town and made it further than anyone I know in that town in tech. (Not in terms of money, though) Just Google: "best books on Sparta reddit". You will find 10 threads, and on those threads if you look at top-k, you will see some entries recurring. And two-three lines of explanation. Read a non-trivial amount of sections to know whether it is what you are looking for. Library is a good place. You can also check Google Books or pirate before buying. Not only about books but about MOOCs, YT playlists, and so on. I have used this method since Junior year in High School, straight up to Master’s degree. I always got good grades, many times topped the class.