Recommendations for condensed matter and semiconductor physics study materials include a basic solid-state physics book with accompanying video lectures from Oxford, which is suitable for beginners and does not require prior knowledge. While the book is considered adequate, comparisons with other texts are limited. The discussion also highlights the importance of understanding second quantization, suggesting Feynman's Statistical Mechanics as a valuable resource, particularly for its insights on annihilation and creation operators. Additionally, a serious study of Quantum Optics is recommended, with Chiao and Garrison's work noted as particularly beneficial, emphasizing its necessity for a comprehensive understanding of the field.