Often, we look for recommended reads from authors of the books we love because we trust their knowledge of the literary world. J.K. Rowling is an excellent example of someone who is often looked to for some TBR advice. However, over the years, various members of the Harry Potter franchise have also revealed their favorite novels. In celebration of July as Bookstr’s “Official Harry Potter Month,” we have collected the Harry Potter cast’s favorite reads to share with you. (Because who wouldn’t want to be a part of Emma Watson’s book club?)
Daniel Radcliffe’s Recommended read: The old man and the sea by Ernest Hemingway
This book is the one most often cited by Radcliffe as one of his favorite novels. About the book, he states, “[I]f you want something that will stay with you and resonate for a long while afterward, then try this.” He also mentioned that he recommends this book to friends of his who aren’t big readers. For those of you who are into the classics, this one is for you.
Emma Watson’s recommended read: why I’m no longer talking to white people about race by Reni eddo-lodge
Watson began her own feminist book club in 2016 called Our Shared Shelf. The book club hopes to bring diverse and varied stories to its audience so that readers can connect on a deeper level by understanding the lives of people who are different from themselves. In 2018, Watson opened the new year with the above book, citing “I am not supposed to have favourites, [sic] however this was the most important book for me this year.” The book club is currently most active on Goodreads where curious readers can find the club’s updated readings for 2021.
RUPERT GRINT’S RECOMMENDED READ: RANT BY CHUCK PALAHNUIK
In 2017, Grint revealed to US Weekly that his favorite book is an oral biography of a dead man as told by various people who knew the titular character, Buster Landru “Rant” Casey. Although the book is a bestseller, the novel appears to be very niche. However, those who have read it all agree that this is a fantastic piece of literature that forces the reader to puzzle-piece together an often conflicting timeline. Sounds like a thrilling read!
maggie smith’s recommended read: anything by William Trevor or Brian Moore
Dame Maggie Smith is such an icon that she had a biography written about her life in 2017. In it, her biographer describes Smith as an avid reader, whose favorite authors are William Trevor and Brian Moore. Upon a bit of research, Trevor is known for his Gothic themes and short stories, often citing James Joyce as an influence. Similarly, Moore is famous for his thrillers, even co-writing a screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock. Smith even starred in the movie adaption of his most highly regarded novel, Judith Hearne.
TOM FELTON’S RECOMMENDED READ: the BFG by Roald dahl
Felton revealed that he is still a child at heart when asked about his favorite books at Dragoncon 2011. While he mentions other classics such as the Goosebumps series and the Beatrix Potter series, he settles on a couple of Roald Dahl staples as his absolute favorites. In the interview, he specifically mentions The BFG, The Twits, and The Witches. Now would be a fantastic time to catch up on some of your own childhood favorites and read along with Felton!
KATIE LEUNG’S RECOMMENDED READ: THE MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE SERIES BY ROBIN STEVENS
Leung has often posted on social media about her work with Murder Most Unladylike author, Robin Stevens. Although she lends her voice to the audiobooks, Leung is adamant that she genuinely enjoys the middle-grade books that lend a diverse spin on the over-done Sherlock-Holmes-detective trope. The series follows Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong as they uncover mysteries during their time at the Deepdean School for Girls. This sounds like the perfect read for young girls looking for representation in their books!
MATTHEW LEWIS’S RECOMMENDED READ: BIRDSONG BY SEBASTIAN FAULKS
Lewis, our favorite character-nerd-but-IRL-hunk, revealed in a 2016 interview with Buzzfeed that a book called Birdsong absolutely “broke his heart.” The novel is the second in Faulks’s French Trilogy, a series that follows a love affair that takes place in the time between the two world wars. The series was also adapted in 2012 into a two-episode Masterpiece Classic on PBS starring two other Harry Potter universe alumni, Clemence Posey and Eddie Redmayne. For fans of historical fiction, this sounds like the perfect cozy Sunday morning read.