Starting with the best books by Hunter S. Thompson is the easiest way to get a taste for the great gonzo journalist’s work. Discover eight of the best in this article.

Top celebrity book recommendations

We all have that one book we recommend to others and tell them they ought to read. There’s a lot to know about people from the books they read, and the same rule applies to celebs. This article lists some celebrity book recommendations.

Great books recommended by celebrities

Reese Witherspoon - Dad Is Fat

Reese Witherspoon is a well-known Hollywood celebrity and an avid reader, so much so that she started her own book club. One of her top book recommendations is Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan.

The author is a stand-up comedian whose life changed when he met his wife and became the father of five. After gaining millions of followers on Twitter for sharing his victories and mistakes as a dad, he decided to write a book about it.

As a family person, Reese Witherspoon found this book incredibly funny and sharply accurate about the joys and horrors of parenthood.

Emma Watson - My Life on the Road

As an outspoken feminist, many books on Emma Watson’s reading list include stories of women’s fight for equality. One of her favorite books is My Life on the Road by the bestselling author Gloria Steinem.

From a very young age, Steinem understood that settling down in one place was not for her. In My Life on the Road, she shares her experiences as an activist while traveling the world. From partaking in social activism to the founding of Ms. magazine.

Oprah Winfrey - I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Oprah’s Book Club is a popular community of passionate readers. Among her top book recommendations is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, a book Oprah described as life-changing. However, it isn’t a self-help book.

Oprah felt an instant connection with the author and her story. In many ways, the life story of the author and Oprah are very similar. From their childhood living with their grandparents to being victims of sexual violence.

Emma Roberts - Orwell’s Roses

Through her online book club, Emma Roberts has created a community of book lovers eager for her recommendations. She shares every one of her favorite books on social media, along with her thoughts on them.

Orwell’s Roses by Rebecca Solnit is a story about Orwell’s passion for gardening and his political commitments. The story is a literary criticism and a biography.

Natalie Portman - Cloud Atlas

The story of Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell made its way to the big screen thanks to Natalie Portman. Portman read the book for the first time while shooting a film, and for her, it was a page-turner. She loved it so much that she recommended it to filmmaker Lana Wachowski who, along with her sister, turned it into a box-office success.

The book consists of six nested stories narrated in different styles by the main character of the sixth story. This book combines metafiction, science fiction, and historical fiction.

Barack Obama - Truth Decay

The former President of the United States, Barack Obama, has expressed his passion for reading on many occasions. His book recommendations center on stories that have profoundly impacted his life. Most of the books are also related to politics and viewing society from different perspectives.

Truth Decay by Michael D. Rich is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand American politics and the public trust erosion in institutions and democracy.

Sarah Jessica Parker - The Catcher in the Rye

Sarah Jessica Parker (SJP)’s book recommendation is one that many people might already have on their bookshelf. The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger is a 1945 classic American novel. According to SJP, it’s also a book that people have to reread every once in a while.

The story focuses on two days of Holden Caufield’s life. The 16-year-old ventures to New York City after being expelled from prep school. The story navigates through feelings of angst, social alienation, innocence, and belonging. SJP suggests that the main character is one you either love or hate, but you’ll sure feel for him.

Gwyneth Paltrow - Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is an all-time classic and, for Gwyneth Paltrow, a source of solace. As you can see, many celebrity book clubs include classical literature.

The story follows the life of Jane Eyre, a seemingly simple girl, as she faces many obstacles in life, including her cruel aunt, her grim living conditions, and her love for a married man.

Halle Berry - Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret

Halle Berry’s book recommendations include stories from real and fictional women with whom she can connect. When she first read Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume at 13, it helped her through difficult moments. She enjoys reading books that help her learn something, even when the characters are fictional.

The book narrates the struggles of a young woman raised without religious guidance due to her parents’ interfaith marriage. Her father is Jewish and her mother is Christian. In the novel, she embarks on the exploration of her religious identity.

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You may not have thought that many Hollywood celebrities are bookworms, but as you’ve seen, that couldn’t be further from the truth. They love to read and share with others their good finds.

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FAQ

What were celebrities reading in 2022?

Wondering what your favorite celebrities were reading in 2022? Well, Reese Witherspoon’s book club pick was Selma Blair’s memoir Mean Baby, and Natalie Portman went for a beach read with Vladimir by Julia May Jonas.

What does Emma Watson read?

Emma Watson enjoys inspiring stories about women who fight for equality. That’s the case of the New York Times best-selling author Glennon Doyle whose work the actress enjoys.

What does Timothee Chalamet read?

Timothee Chamalet’s taste in books is diverse, going from the classics like Little Women to contemporary literature such as Winners Take All.

What should I be reading in 2023?

Some of the must-read books in 2023 include Bitter Orange Tree by Jokha Alharthi, Breathless by David Quammen, and The Candy House by Jennifer Egan.

What is the best book to read in 2023?

One of the most recommended books in 2023 is A Heart That Works by Rob Delaney. It’s a memoir of Delaney and his family’s lives after his son is diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Who read The Handmaid's Tale in 2022?

In 2022, The Handmaid’s Tale was one of the top book club picks.