Cover Dakota Johnson attends the Bulgari event at The Refinery at Domino on September 04, 2024 in New York City. (Photo: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Bulgari)
Dakota Johnson attends the Bulgari event at The Refinery at Domino on September 04, 2024 in New York City. (Photo: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Bulgari)
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From Oprah to Dua Lipa, these celebrity book clubs offer something for every kind of reader
Book clubs have long captivated readers with their promise of shared discovery and conversation, creating an ever-widening circle of literary appreciation. Today, the rise of celebrity-founded book clubs adds a new layer of allure, blending the appeal of high-profile endorsements with the communal joy of reading. These clubs aren’t just for fans; they’ve become vehicles for literary trends, exposing new voices and challenging the literary status quo. Here’s a look at some of the most talked-about celebrity book clubs, each catering to distinct tastes.
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1. Oprah’s Book Club
Oprah Winfrey’s iconic book club, launched in 1996, remains a touchstone in the world of celebrity book clubs and personality-led literary movements. Known for its ability to turn lesser-known works into bestsellers, Oprah’s picks span various genres, from fiction to memoirs. Her club has elevated authors such as Cheryl Strayed and Colson Whitehead to international acclaim, with The Underground Railroad becoming a particularly resonant favourite. Oprah’s club continues to engage readers by spotlighting diverse voices and igniting national conversations about race, identity and the human experience.
2. Reese’s Book Club
Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club, founded in 2017, has quickly become a favourite among those who enjoy women-centric stories that champion personal growth and resilience. Witherspoon’s picks—often works of contemporary fiction—offer readers a chance to delve into narratives that focus on the complexities of female life. Notable achievements include the adaptation of several titles into successful films and series, like Big Little Lies and Little Fires Everywhere. Witherspoon’s club consistently prioritizes authorship by women and consistently highlights lesser-known gems alongside household names. Recent picks include Isola by Allegra Goodman.
3. TeaTime Book Club by Dakota Johnson
In March 2024, Dakota Johnson introduced the TeaTime Book Club as an extension of her production company, TeaTime Pictures. This club distinguishes itself by offering an immersive literary experience, combining monthly book selections with curated playlists, author interviews and interactive discussions. Johnson’s selections often highlight debut novels and innovative fiction, reflecting her commitment to amplifying fresh voices in literature. Notable picks include Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino, a compelling narrative about a woman who believes she is an alien and Cinema Love by Jiaming Tang, which explores forbidden love in a rural Chinese movie theatre.
4. Belletrist by Emma Roberts
Emma Roberts’ Belletrist, launched in 2017, caters to a slightly more niche audience, focusing on an eclectic mix of contemporary fiction and thought-provoking reads. Roberts and her co-founder, Karah Preiss, carefully curate titles that range from literary fiction to unique voices that might otherwise fly under the radar. Belletrist has introduced a fresh wave of authors to its members, such as Taffy Brodesser-Akner and Julia Phillips. The club’s intimate and thoughtful approach ensures that it appeals to readers seeking books that challenge and expand their perspectives. A recent recommendation is The Mystery Guest by Grégoire Bouillier.
5. Service95 Book Club by Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa’s Service95, a lifestyle platform she founded in 2021, features a book club component that highlights global stories, often focusing on issues like social justice, mental health and cultural movements. Lipa’s selections often lean toward thought-provoking non-fiction and literary works that aim to spark dialogue on pressing contemporary issues. Service95’s book club is distinctive for its international reach, offering an insight into the intersection of art, culture and activism. It’s a space where readers can engage with books that push boundaries and encourage activism in modern society. Recent picks include The Bee Sting by Paul Murray.
6. Between Two Books by Florence Welch
Florence Welch, the enigmatic frontwoman of Florence + The Machine, founded Between Two Books in 2012, and it has since grown into a global community of readers drawn to the same poetic, mystical and emotionally charged storytelling that defines her music. Unlike other celebrity book clubs, Between Two Books thrives on a collaborative model, with recommendations often coming from guest authors and fellow readers. Welch’s selections range from classic literature to contemporary fiction and deeply introspective works—Virginia Woolf, Patti Smith and Ocean Vuong are among her favourite authors. The club’s cult-like following proves that literature, like music, can be both transcendent and communal.
7. Laufey Book Club
Musician Laufey, known for her jazz-infused, vintage-inspired sound, launched the Laufey Book Club as a natural extension of her love for classic storytelling and old-world charm. Distinct from other celebrity book clubs, her selections often reflect the same nostalgic and introspective qualities found in her music, drawing from classic literature, poetry and elegantly crafted modern novels. Laufey has recommended works by Jane Austen, F Scott Fitzgerald and Haruki Murakami, curating a space for romantics and dreamers who appreciate lyrical prose and timeless themes. The club offers a quiet refuge for readers who find beauty in the melancholic and the poetic.
8. Library Science by Kaia Gerber
In 2020, model and actress Kaia Gerber, alongside her friend Alyssa Reeder, initiated an online book club that has since evolved into Library Science, a vibrant literary community. This platform is dedicated to introducing readers to diverse and underrepresented voices, often highlighting works that escape mainstream bestseller lists. Selections range from debut fiction and translated literature to essays and plays, fostering rich discussions on topics such as race, gender, identity and more. Notable picks include Dear Dickhead by Virginie Despentes, a provocative novel exploring themes of addiction and patriarchy, and Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar, which delves into personal and cultural histories.
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