What I Would Recommend White Lotus Guests to Read Next
Yes, I obsessed over season three of The White Lotus. Yes, I am writing this as a way to spend a little more time with these great characters before saying goodbye. Yes, I am basing this off of what some characters were spotted reading, but also (mostly) on vibes.
The Friend Trio
Jaclyn: The Glass Castle by Janette Walls
We spotted her reading a few celebrity autobiographies. While in the memoir genre, this book follows one woman’s tumultuous childhood. My hope is that Jaclyn can strengthen her empathy muscle.
Kate: Recitatif by Toni Morrison
She didn’t come across as a strong reader to me, so I picked something short. But this small novella packs a punch. In this creative exploration of race, Morrison presents a mirror to the reader, one Kate (and many of us) need to glance in more often.
Laurie: Rising Strong by Brene Brown
Laurie seems to be going through it back home. Brown has a way of uplifting her readers and providing tools to make meaningful change.
The Mother & Son Duo
Zion: Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
As one who quoted A Raisin in the Sun offhandedly, I assume he has read most of the classics already. So, I chose a modern novel. This fantasy novel is creative, has excellent writing, and is one of a kind.
Belinda: The Likeability Trap by Alicia Menendez
She was spotted reading non-fiction, so I wanted to stay in her field of interest. I chose this book because Belinda has built a career around serving others. As she embarks on her newfound life, I want her to be free of the mental prison many women have, one that craves to be liked above all else. I love that she chose herself at the end of this season, and I hope a read like this can help her make that choice again and again.
The Perfect Family
Lachlan: Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
A classic, but one with an exploration of identity. The beautiful yet tragic novel could help catalyze Lachlan’s journey to finding himself.
Piper: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Yes, I’m sure she read the classics growing up, but this is one I think she could stand to reread. It explores the themes of wealth, poverty, privilege, and generosity. In place of choosing between her extremes of guilt or indulgence for having wealth, I hope this can help her see that generosity – at any level of wealth – is edifying in every way.
Saxon: Franny & Zooey by J.D. Salinger
A story that follows siblings with their glory days behind them who are going through a spiritual crisis seems to be the perfect fit.
Victoria: The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
Come for the fun, stay for the thrill, and maybe pick up a few notes on how to protect your family when your husband gives a vampire his money.
Tim: What Are People For? by Wendell Berry
The thought of someone like Tim soaking up Berry’s wisdom brings me joy. It is a totally different world than what he’s used to, but can help him find purpose beyond his wealth and career.
The Doomed Lovers
Chelsea: Exalted by Anna Dorn
While I am tempted to give her a book on co-dependency or boundaries, for her final read, I wanted to recommend something just for fun. This novel has astrology woven into it and examines the destiny we believe we find there.
Rick: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt
Rick also needs much spiritual and emotional guidance, on which there are many books. But I find novels to be a better fit as one’s last book ever. I thought this southern classic would suit him well. It has a beautiful writing style, includes dynamic characters, and explores a murder.
I certainly lean more towards fiction, which is reflected here. But, if the characters were real and I was a betting woman, I would bet these beautiful works would pull each of them in.
There are so many more characters to explore, Gaitok, Valentin, Pam… I’d love to hear your thoughts on what they should read next!