Actor Chris Pine is best known for his role as James T. Kirk in Star Trek as well as Steve Trevor in Wonder Woman. But did you know that before Pine became an actor, he pursued a major in English? Which is why we will be looking at Chris Pine’s 15 book recommendations to see what he reads in his spare time!
When Pine isn’t acting, he can be found reading. He is a book lover and has a Bachelor’s in English. Pine is often seen surrounded by books and alwaysmakes time for them whenever he is able to. In an interview with Esquire, Pine shared his 15 books that he recommends to everyone to read. You can see the full list below.
Chris Pine’s 15 Book Recommendations
- Lady Joker Volume 2 by Kaoru Takemura
- Flights by Olga Tokarczuk
- What It Is Like to Go to War by Karl Marlantes
- The Copenhagen Trilogy by Tove Ditlevsen
- Dispatches by Michael Herr
- The Naked and the Dead by Norman Mailer
- The Executioner’s Song by Norman Mailer
- In Cold Blood Truman Capote
- Underworld by Don DeLillo
- Master of Souls by Irène Némirovsky
- A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
- The Master by Colm Toibin
- The Magician by Colm Toibin
- The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carre
- Berlin Noir by Bernie Gunther
Lady Joker, Volume 2 by Kaoru Takemura
Lady Joker, Volume 2 continues the gripping and complex crime narrative inspired by real-life events in Japan. Takemura weaves together multiple perspectives, diving deeper into the motivations of both the criminals and the authorities pursuing them. The novel stands out for its detailed character work and its exploration of corporate corruption, justice, and morality. Rather than offering a simple good-versus-evil story, it challenges readers to understand the gray areas in between, making it a compelling read for fans of layered detective fiction.
“This is what I’m reading right now. She’s like the grande dame of Japanese detective fiction.” – Pine
Flights by Olga Tokarczuk
Flights is a unique and fragmented novel that blends travel narratives, philosophical reflections, and historical anecdotes into a cohesive meditation on movement and human existence. Tokarczuk’s writing feels both intellectual and deeply personal, inviting readers to think about how we experience the world and our place within it. The nonlinear structure may not be for everyone, but those who connect with it will find a deeply rewarding and thought-provoking read.
“I bought this a long time ago at my favorite bookstore in London. She won the Nobel for Books of Jacob, which I have yet to read. I like the way her brain works—I want to explore it more. And obviously, if it won the Nobel, I want to get into it, figure it out.” – Pine
What It Is Like to Go to War by Karl Marlantes
In What It Is Like to Go to War, Karl Marlantes offers a raw and introspective look at the psychological and moral complexities of combat. Drawing from his own experiences as a Marine in Vietnam, Marlantes examines what it truly means to take a life and how that reality affects soldiers long after the war ends. The book goes beyond traditional war memoirs, focusing on the emotional and philosophical aftermath rather than just the events themselves.
“I just went through a huge Norman Mailer phase. I read The Naked and the Dead, which he wrote when he was fucking twenty-five. His insight into the human mind and the psyche, and insight into a soldier, is profound. He definitely gilds the lily—sometimes you can really see him flexing his muscles. But God—I mean, a book about an unrequited homosexual love affair between a sergeant and a general in 1947, when the war’s just ended? The fuck is that about? A complete existentialist takedown of war, the stupidity of war, sending men off to die for nothing. Fascinating.” – Pine
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
In Cold Blood is a groundbreaking true crime novel that reconstructs the brutal murder of the Clutter family in Kansas. Capote’s meticulous research and novelistic style bring the story to life, offering insight into both the victims and the perpetrators. What makes the book so powerful is its ability to humanize everyone involved, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about violence, morality, and justice.
“And then Capote’s In Cold Blood. Which is a fucking masterpiece, in the same vein—it humanizes these awful people in a way that’s difficult for your brain, your moral brain, to deal with. So that was great.” – Pine
Conclusion
Pine’s list includes popular books and authors as well as foreign books. His diverse taste and knowledge of authors in other countries such as Japan shows his curiosity and world knowledge. This is a list of a person who loves traveling and learning about different cultures. You can check out his full opinion on all of the books at Esquire.
That is all for Chris Pine’s 15 book recommendations. While reading his thoughts on his selections, you can tell he really does enjoy reading books. How many of these books have you read or plan to read? Let us know in the comments below!
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Do read the epic spy novel, Bill Fairclough’s Beyond Enkription in TheBurlingtonFiles series. He was one of Pemberton’s People in MI6 (see the brief News Article dated 31 October 2022 in TheBurlingtonFiles website). The thriller is the stuff memorable films are made of, raw, realistic yet punchy, pacy and provocative; a super read as long as you don’t expect John le Carré’s delicate diction, sophisticated syntax and placid plots. It’s a fact based book which follows the real life of a real spy, Bill Fairclough (MI6 codename JJ) aka Edward Burlington who worked for British Intelligence, the CIA et al. It’s like nothing we have ever come across before … and TheBurlingtonFiles website is as breathtaking as a compelling thriller. It’s a must read for espionage cognoscenti.
Berlin Noir by Bernie Gunther – Burnie Gunther is the character. Written by Philip Kerr.