While books are an eternal medium, their popularity has dwindled a notch since we’ve entered the digital age, where entertainment in the form of films and television shows is just a few clicks away. Many of our favourite films today are novel adaptations—replacing hours of page-turning with easy-to-digest screen time.
Still, nothing beats the feeling of reading a physical book, from its nostalgic woodsy fragrance to the texture of smooth pages on your fingertips. For many, a paperback remains the real deal over a kindle, e-book or Netflix series—a sentiment that many It-girls seem to agree on. Regarded a perennial hobby, the appeal of reading has seen a resurgence as of late, with resident cool girls like Dua Lipa, Kaia Gerber and Bella Hadid have been posting their favourite novels online and spreading word to the masses. Add that to the ever-growing list of celebrity-run book clubs that are emerging, and its no surprise that book covers have started to flood our social media feeds.
Dua Lipa, for one, is widely known for being a bookworm who doesn’t shy away from recommending the titles she has been loving. Her affinity for books goes so deep that she features a monthly literary round-up on Service 95, a weekly newsletter and podcast she curates. This month, the British singer-songwriter recommends Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, a charming dystopian-set book that looks into a futuristic world led by artificial intelligence—with a hauntingly beautiful twist at the end.
If you’re wondering about the titles other It girls have been toting around, look to our round up of the best and most read-worthy books our favourite celebrities have been pictured with.
1 / 5
'Thick: And Other Essays' by Tressie McMillan Cottom
When it comes to curating a well-rounded bookshelf, supermodel and author of My Body Emily Ratajkowski is no rookie. You don’t have to look far for her book recommendations, as she has created an Instagram story highlight with all of her favourites. Out of the many featured novels, we recommend picking up Thick: And Other Essays by Tessie McMillan Cottom. Delving into the nuances of black womanhood in a capitalist society, the novel sheds light on the way black women are valued by society—an important and timely read for all.
2 / 5
'The Stranger' by Albert Camus
Like supermodel Gigi Hadid, we recommend bringing The Stranger by Albert Camus out for your next errand run. The title is simply written and a quick read—but don’t let its modest length fool you, for it is deeply profound, albeit accessible. Following the story of our protagonist Meursault, readers are immediately plunged into his turbulent life as he faces a murder trial, weeks after his mother’s death. The prose is unsettling, depicting how Meursault is devoid of emotion even when faced with the most traumatic events. This novel is sure to leave a question lingering in your mind: “What makes someone human?”
3 / 5
'How to Be Eaten' by Maria Adelmann
For the uninitiated, Scream Queens star Emma Roberts is behind Belletrist, a book club she has started with executive producer Karah Priess. On the table for this month’s read is How To Be Eaten, a tale of five reimagined classic fairytale characters escaping from their harsh realities in an intimate basement support group. Think of this novel as a version of the stories you grew up with in your childhood—but repackaged for an older audience with a dose of dark humour. Zany as it is, the book brings to the surface the importance of processing our emotions, and the power that solidarity between friends can bring.
4 / 5
'Blue Nights' by Joan Didion
With a bookclub of her own, Kaia Gerber belongs to a growing list of supermodel bibliophiles. Gerber’s taste is immaculate—she has selected many great books for her audience, including titles like My Body by Em Rata, Severance by Ling Ma and Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay. Blue Nights is not the first time she has posted a novel from legendary author Joan Didion on her Instagram, and we can certainly see why. Joan’s novels provide a stunning snapshot of daily life, translating raw emotion into candid revelations on relationships. If you’re grappling with loss, this is a powerful read to find some healing.
5 / 5
'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' by Taylor Jenkin Reids
Who isn’t enamoured by the lives of celebrities? If you like reality shows, you’ll love The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo—just like Hailey Bieber. Set in ’50s Hollywood, we follow the opulent life of Evelyn Hugo, an aging and reclusive movie icon. Unveiling a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship and forbidden love, the Hugo’s story is gripping and hyper-realistic, and will have you rooting for each one of the characters through all their trials and tribulations.
