Kamala Harris’ Favorite Books: 5 Must-Read Classics and Modern Novels

Vice President Kamala Harris has long been a recognizable figure in American public life, but her rise to the vice presidency in 2020 firmly cemented her place in history. As the first woman, the first African American, and the first Asian American to hold the office, Harris represents multiple milestones at once. Yet beyond the speeches, policy work, and campaign trail appearances, there’s a quieter, more personal side to her life, one that revolves around books.

Like many public figures, Harris has often spoken about the importance of reading. Books have shaped her thinking, informed her worldview, and influenced her own writing. When she isn’t immersed in the demands of public service, she’s often turning pages, revisiting classics, or exploring stories that reflect identity, justice, and human connection. That makes her reading list not just a collection of favorites, but a window into the ideas and narratives that resonate with her.

Before diving into her favorite books, it’s worth noting that Harris is also an author herself. Her memoir, The Truths We Hold, became a #1 New York Times bestseller and offers insight into her upbringing, career, and values. She also wrote a children’s book, Superheroes Are Everywhere, which encourages young readers to see the extraordinary potential in everyday people. Both works reflect her belief in storytelling as a powerful tool, something clearly mirrored in the books she chooses to read.

So what exactly does Kamala Harris enjoy reading? Her list of five favorite books blends literary classics with emotionally resonant contemporary fiction. While the selections may be familiar to many readers, the themes they explore; identity, family, justice, and resilience, make them enduring and relevant no matter when you pick them up.

Let’s take a closer look at the five books that stand out on her list.

Kamala Harris’ Favorite Books

• Native Son by Richard Wright  
• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini 
• The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan 
• Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison 
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis  

Native Son by Richard Wright

Richard Wright’s Native Son is often regarded as one of the most important American novels of the 20th century. Published in 1940, it tells the story of Bigger Thomas, a young Black man navigating systemic racism and poverty in Chicago. The novel is intense, unsettling, and deeply thought-provoking, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about inequality and social injustice.

It’s not hard to see why this book might resonate with Harris. As someone who has spent much of her career in law and public service, themes of justice and systemic barriers are central to her work. Native Son doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does demand attention—and that kind of literary impact tends to stay with readers long after they finish the final page.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner is a modern classic that has touched millions of readers around the world. Set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s turbulent history, the novel explores friendship, betrayal, guilt, and redemption through the story of Amir and Hassan.

What makes The Kite Runner so compelling is its emotional depth. It’s a story about personal responsibility and the possibility of redemption, even after profound mistakes. For many readers, it’s one of those books that lingers—its characters and themes continuing to echo long after the story ends.

Its inclusion on Harris’s list suggests an appreciation for narratives that cross cultural boundaries while still speaking to universal human experiences. It’s a reminder that literature can connect people across vastly different backgrounds through shared emotions and moral dilemmas.

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club is another powerful exploration of identity and family. The novel weaves together the stories of Chinese American mothers and their daughters, examining generational divides, cultural heritage, and the complexities of communication.

At its core, the book is about understanding; understanding where we come from, understanding our families, and ultimately understanding ourselves. It’s a deeply personal story that resonates with anyone who has ever navigated the space between two worlds or tried to bridge the gap between different generations.

Given Harris’s own multicultural background, it’s easy to see why this novel might hold particular significance. It reflects the richness of diverse identities and the importance of honoring one’s roots while forging an individual path.

Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon is widely considered one of the greatest works of American literature. The novel follows Milkman Dead on a journey of self-discovery, tracing his family history and uncovering deeper truths about identity and heritage.

Morrison’s writing is known for its lyrical quality and emotional depth, and Song of Solomon is no exception. It’s a story that blends realism with elements of myth and folklore, creating a narrative that feels both grounded and expansive.

For readers, the novel offers a profound exploration of identity; how it’s shaped by history, family, and personal choices. It’s the kind of book that rewards careful reading and reflection, revealing new layers with each revisit.

Its presence on Harris’s list speaks to an appreciation for literature that challenges, inspires, and pushes readers to think more deeply about themselves and the world around them.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Rounding out the list is a beloved classic from children’s literature: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Part of The Chronicles of Narnia, this novel has captivated readers of all ages for decades with its magical world, memorable characters, and timeless themes.

While it may seem like a lighter pick compared to the other titles, the book carries its own depth. Themes of courage, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil are woven throughout the story, making it meaningful for both younger readers and adults revisiting it.

Including this book in her favorites highlights the enduring power of storytelling across genres and age groups. It’s a reminder that books we encounter early in life can leave a lasting imprint, shaping our imagination and values in subtle but significant ways.

Why This List Stands Out

One of the most interesting things about Kamala Harris’s favorite books is how balanced the list feels. It doesn’t rely on obscure or niche selections, instead, it brings together widely recognized works that have stood the test of time.

That doesn’t make the list predictable, though. Each book carries significant thematic weight, tackling issues like race, identity, family, and morality. These are stories that invite reflection and discussion, rather than passive reading.

There’s also a noticeable diversity in voices and perspectives. From African American literature to immigrant narratives to global storytelling, the list spans a range of experiences. That diversity mirrors the broader literary landscape and underscores the importance of reading widely.

At the same time, the inclusion of a fantasy classic like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe adds a layer of accessibility. It shows that meaningful reading doesn’t have to be confined to heavy or serious topics—sometimes, imagination and storytelling can be just as impactful.

An Evergreen Reading List

What makes this list particularly appealing is its timelessness. None of these books are tied to a specific moment or trend. They’ve all proven their staying power, continuing to resonate with new generations of readers.

If you’re looking for a place to start, or to revisit books you may have read years ago, this list offers a strong foundation. Each title brings something different to the table, whether it’s emotional depth, cultural insight, or imaginative storytelling.

You don’t have to read them in any particular order, and you don’t have to read all of them at once. The value of a list like this is that it provides options, different entry points into meaningful reading experiences.

Conclusion

Kamala Harris’s five favorite books offer more than just a glimpse into her personal reading habits. They highlight the power of literature to shape perspectives, spark conversations, and connect people across different backgrounds.

Whether you’re drawn to the social commentary of Native Son, the emotional journey of The Kite Runner, the cultural exploration of The Joy Luck Club, the lyrical depth of Song of Solomon, or the imaginative world of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, there’s something here for every kind of reader.

So the real question isn’t just what Harris reads, it’s what you’ll pick up next. How many of these books have you already read, and which ones are you adding to your list? Until next time, happy reading!

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