It feels like now, more than ever, celebrities are unafraid to proclaim their bookworm status proudly. And what better way to decide your next read than based on your favorite celebrity’s endorsement?
Even celebrities read. It can be hard to imagine, with their busy schedules and extravagant lives, that Hollywood is filled with avid readers. With increasing attention on book-to-movie adaptations, like Project Hail Mary and Wuthering Heights, it is more and more common to know what a celebrity has been reading. So, if you’re having a hard time finding your next read, why not let your favorite celebrity decide for you!
Jacob Elordi | The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Having watched Jacob Elordi’s recent reinvigoration of two gothic classics, Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights, it makes complete sense that The Secret History comes up on his favorites list. The book fixates on Greek tragedy, with tension to match the classical gothic themes of Elordi’s filmography.
Donna Tartt’s classic novel is a great read for people who want to sink their teeth into the ever-mysterious world of academia. Her characters are devoted to their complicated ambitions, like Dr. Frankenstein himself, and you’ll find you either love or hate them. Like Wuthering Heights, they push the boundaries of morality, and both books address obsessive relationships. This book is highly recommended—from both me and Elordi himself.
Lady Gaga | Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke
Our only nonfiction on the list, The Queen of Mayhem’s favorite book is a slower, beautifully written love letter to art. And I literally mean letter. The book is composed of letters written to an inspiring poet, answering questions like ‘why do we write?’ and ‘how to deal with criticism of one’s art?’
She acknowledged it as being her favorite book in Vogue’s 73 Questions video series. In this video, she also discusses the philosophy behind art having no rules. Knowing her attitude on artistic creation, it makes complete sense why this book is her favorite of all time.
Lupita Nyong’o | Saga by Brian K. Vaughn
An incredible actress with incredible taste, Lupita Nyong’o’s recommendation veers off into the action sci-fi realm. Saga is a comic series with an incredible art style that depicts the harrowing story of a new family trying to evade war occurring within an intergalactic setting. As Nyong’o describes it in the Radicalreads.com article:
“It’s Romeo and Juliet passion meets Star Wars epic and Game of Thrones provocativeness but with sharp and witty dialogue and incredibly imaginative illustration“
— Lupita Nyong’o
Considering her excellent work in Black Panther and Star Wars, it makes complete why Nyong’o would enjoy this harrowing intergalactic adventure.
Aurora | Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
Another classic on the list, Norwegian singer Aurora recommends the magical realism book, Kafka on the Shore.
If you know anything about Aurora, you know that she has a lighthearted and yet otherworldly presence. It makes complete sense why this magical and philosophical book is at the top of her list. Haruki Murakami’s book dives into the treachery of growing up and holding onto imagination, which reflects Aurora’s unique mode of artistic expression.
Hozier | 1984 by George Orwell
If you scroll through the popular Instagram page celebbookrecs, you’d see that 1984 is one of the most popular celebrity book recommendations, with mentions from everyone from Timothée Chalamet to BTS’s Kim Nam-joon.
However, out of all the celebrities, Hozier enjoying this book makes the most sense to me. His songs are raw and hit on themes like heartbreak, mental health issues, and social justice
If you haven’t yet read 1984, the plot parallels Hozier’s songs like “Nobody’s Soldier” and “Jackboot Jump.” Orwell crafts a dystopian world where humans are forced to abide by the rules of a fascist and omnipresent government. It’s a powerful book that touches on social unrest, just as Hozier’s songs do.
Olivia Rodrigo | Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
It makes complete sense that “Vampire” singer Olivia Rodrigo would find enjoyment in one of the most popular vampire romance books. Even the aesthetic of her music video references the mystique of the blue-toned movie adaptation.
Rodrigo’s songs are poppy with an edge, much like the horror-romance blend of the Twilight series. Bella Swan, the main character, is a normal high schooler who is thrust into the drama that ensues from a vampire and werewolf love triangle.
If you haven’t read it yet, don’t be swayed by the internet’s negative reaction towards both the books and movies. Twilight is a page-turning romance that has readers rooting for Bella and her attempt to navigate love under a supernatural backdrop.
Lily Rose Depp | The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Lily Rose Depp is a popular actress, probably most known now for her work in Nosferatu. She plays the role of Ellen Hutter hauntingly well as she fights an internal struggle against her perverse interest in the vampire Nosferatu.
Although The Bluest Eye doesn’t touch on anything vampiric, there is still something haunting within Toni Morrison’s work. Her prose is strong yet poetic, and often veers into horror, such as in Beloved‘s inclusion of a ghost baby.
The Bluest Eye centers on a young, black girl who feels the pain of racial injustice and believes that having blue eyes would improve her situation. While Morrison’s book is more importantly focused on racial inequality, the idea of comparison is something innate within all of us. Depp’s appreciation for this book displays her love for haunting prose and hard-hitting themes.
Cillian Murphy | Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
If you know anything about Cillian Murphy’s work, this book makes complete sense as one of his favorites. His movies and shows veer off into historical darkness, in both Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer.
Small Things Like These is an Irish novella that depicts the culture of Catholicism and the systemic suppression of women. Its Christmas setting feels anything but warm as the main character reconciles with what he is witnessing in his community.
In Jack Edward’s interview with Murphy, he states that this book, amongst works by other Irish authors, should be required reading. And having read it, I must agree. It paints a detailed picture of Ireland and the country’s fixation on religion while still addressing the mistreatment of women.
Dua Lipa | On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
Last but certainly not least, potentially our most well-read celebrity, is Dua Lipa. Dua Lipa has her own book club, Service95, where she posts book reviews and author interviews. While there were many great picks to choose from, arguably the most popular book she has discussed is Ocean Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous.
This coming-of-age book reflects on queerness and immigration in America, told through Vuong’s poetic prose. Heartbreakingly, the novel is told through letters written to the character’s mother, who cannot read English.
In Dua Lipa’s discussion of the book, she reflects on artistic creation as it relates to her as a musician:
“…that’s the other thing about, you know, making art is like maybe we put so much pressure on the idea that something has to be successful or it has to be the biggest thing we do. It’s as long as we stay true to ourselves, write the thing that we want to do, make something that you’re proud of…”
–Dua Lipa
The book is yearning, speaking to songs of Dua Lipa’s such as “Happy for You” and “Anything for Love.” As an artist herself, it makes complete sense why this book and author resonate so profoundly with her.
Give a celebrity’s book taste a try
From avid readers to occasional enjoyers, often the most taxing part of the hobby is finding what book to read next. So, if you’re in a position where you don’t know what you should try next, why not put your fate in your favorite celebrity’s hands?
