How To Read Like Harry Styles, Part 2!

When singer-songwriter and actor Harry Styles is not touring the world or breaking records, he may be found devouring these books. From time to time, Styles lets us into his psyche by sharing his current and all-time favorite reads that inspire his mindset and his work. For those curious about his reading taste or looking to expand their own, take a look at this list of 4 more of his favorite books! 

1. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami 

Styles has frequently expressed his love for Murakami’s work, and it was particularly Norwegian Wood that sparked his passion for reading. In his 2019 cover story for Rolling Stone, he said this was the first book he ever read that he was unable to put down. Also, in an interview with Timothée Chalamet for i-D, Styles named Norwegian Wood as the only book he would read for the rest of his life if he had to (his other choice being Love Is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield). This novel follows the reserved and solemn Toru as he contemplates his time as a college student in Tokyo when he experiences first love, grief, unpredictability, and the twists and turns of young adulthood. 

2. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion 

Didion is another one of Styles’s favorite authors, though it was The Year of Magical Thinking that left quite the mark on him. In his 2022 interview with Rolling Stone, he said, “I think that was the first book I read twice.” Didion, who is considered one of the most renowned writers of her generation, is known for her razor-sharp, insightful portrayals of modern American life. The Year of Magical Thinking is a profound, heartbreakingly personal account of grief and loss, and it is full of acute truths and stunning sincerity. 

3. Love Is a Dog from Hell by Charles Bukowski 

Styles is a fan of all kinds of poetry by Bukowski, and much of the songwriting from Harry's first album is known to be inspired by Bukowski’s work. Love Is a Dog from Hell was also in the collection of his “most treasured possessions” he gathered for Another Man magazine. In this body of poetry, Bukowski examines love and heartbreak by exploring the endless layers and intricacies that make up these feelings.