As a big fan of anything and everything pop culture related it’s no surprise that so many of the books that I read are pop culture related. Over the years, I’ve read so many great books and wanted to catalogue my faves that I think others would also like here.
Born a Crime; Stories from a South African Childhood – Trevor Noah
This is truly one of the best books I have ever read and I recommend everyone read it. Noah’s storytelling ability is unparalleled. In one single page he could have me laughing out loud and then crying. And it’s important to note that you don’t have to be a fan of his to enjoy his universal story of feeling like an outsider. Even better, Noah is helping to produce a feature film based on his book starring Lupita Nyong’o.
Pros: This book will quickly become one of your favorites.
Cons: Beware reading this book in public because you’ll be holding in your tears.
The Geek Feminist Revolution – Kameron Hurley
This is a great book for anyone into sci-fi and fantasy or anyone interested about the portrayal of women in nerdy shite. I had never heard of this author before reading this book but was blown away that someone had written a whole book about something I am so passionate about. The book is actually a collection of essays so it’s great for people who want to read something that feels personal.
Pros: great read for the ultimate nerds.
Cons: Can be a bit dense at times.
The Princess Diarist– Carrie Fisher
For the true Star War’s nerd! This memoir details all the juicy drama and funny stories from the set of the original Star War’s trilogy. Fisher’s ability to make it feel like she’s your best friend is unparalleled and society is poorer for her loss.
Pros: a must read for any Star Wars or Carrie Fisher fan
Cons: this book is pretty much solely for the Star Wars nerds
Me– Elton John
This memoir came out right around the same time John’s acclaimed biopic RocketMan came out. I wasn’t expecting a whole lot from this book but I absolutely loved it. It feels like John is gossiping to you for 300 pages and man is it juicy! (One of my favorite stories involves John going snowmobiling with Stevie Wonder) For someone who is constantly putting on a show it was great to peel back those layers and learn about the man.
Pros: Fun and light read
Cons: I wouldn’t read this if you’re not a fan of John’s
Bossypants – Tina Fey
This was probably the first book I ever read by a comedian and the first book I encountered that addressed sexism. It’s such an amazing read and there’s a reason it’s a bestseller. Fey’s book definitely ushered in the era of female comics getting big book deals and it’s a classic everyone should read.
Pros: learn more about Fey and the comedic world in hilarious stories
Cons: this book isn’t dated or anything but you might want to brush up on your 30 Rock knowledge
The Rural Diaries: Love, Livestock, and Big Life Lessons Down on Mischief Farm – Hilarie Burton Morgan
Hilarie Burton Morgan is best known for her role as Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill as well her turn on many a Lifetime movie. She is also married to Jeffrey Dean Morgan from Grey’s Anatomy and The Walking Dead fame. This book tells the story of how they ended up settling into Rhinebeck, New York away from the bright lights of L.A. Morgan weaves a beautiful love letter to a small town and her decision to step away from Hollywood.
Pros: nice, relaxing, easy read
Cons: it’s a great “beach read” and doesn’t make you think too hard so if you want a more substantive book this one is not for you
fandoms/fashion/feminism 