There are very few creative people working today with a résumé as impressive as Lin-Manuel Miranda’s. He is a composer, lyricist, actor, playwright, producer, author, and performer who seems to excel at everything he touches. Most people know him as the creator of Hamilton, the Broadway phenomenon that changed musical theater forever, but his career stretches far beyond a single production.

From In the Heights to Moana, Encanto, and numerous stage and screen projects, Miranda has built a reputation for blending creativity, history, music, and storytelling in unique ways. It should come as no surprise that someone with such a wide range of interests is also an avid reader.

One of my favorite things about looking at celebrity reading lists is seeing what inspires some of the most creative minds in the world. Sometimes the selections are predictable. Other times they introduce you to books you may have never discovered on your own. Miranda’s reading recommendations fall into both categories. His list includes beloved classics, award-winning literary fiction, insightful memoirs, fantasy adventures, theater books, and even collections of essays.

What makes his recommendations particularly interesting is how varied they are. There is no single genre dominating the list. Instead, it reflects the curiosity of someone who genuinely loves stories in all forms.

If you are looking for your next great read, here are some of the books Lin-Manuel Miranda has recommended over the years.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Favorite Books

A Reading List Filled with Literary Classics

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez book cover
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

Many celebrity book lists feature a few classics, but Miranda’s recommendations show a deep appreciation for literature that has stood the test of time.

One of the most notable books on his list is One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez. Widely regarded as one of the greatest novels ever written, this masterpiece of magical realism follows multiple generations of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo. Its influence on modern literature cannot be overstated, and it remains a must-read for anyone interested in literary fiction.

Another classic recommendation is Madeleine L’Engle’s beloved science-fiction novel A Wrinkle in Time. Generations of readers have fallen in love with Meg Murry’s journey through space and time, and the novel continues to inspire young and adult readers alike.

Miranda also recommends the sequel, A Wind in the Door. While A Wrinkle in Time often receives most of the attention, many readers consider the follow-up equally imaginative and thought-provoking.

Then there is Leo Tolstoy’s War & Peace, though Miranda specifically highlighted Dave Malloy’s adapted chapters of the novel. Given that Malloy later created the acclaimed musical Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, it makes sense that Miranda would appreciate this unique interpretation of one of literature’s most ambitious works.

These selections demonstrate Miranda’s appreciation for stories that have endured for decades or even centuries.

Books About Creativity and the Creative Process

Fosse by Sam Wasson book cover
Fosse by Sam Wasson

Considering Miranda’s extraordinary creative output, it is fascinating to see which books he turns to for inspiration.

One standout recommendation is Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull. The co-founder of Pixar shares lessons about leadership, innovation, collaboration, and maintaining creativity within a successful organization.

This is one of those books that frequently appears on recommendation lists from entrepreneurs, artists, writers, and business leaders. Catmull’s insights into nurturing creative talent make it valuable for anyone working in a creative field.

Another recommendation that falls into this category is Sense of Occasion by legendary producer and director Hal Prince. Prince helped shape Broadway through productions like The Phantom of the Opera, Cabaret, Evita, and Sweeney Todd.

For theater fans, this memoir offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of some of Broadway’s most iconic productions.

Miranda also recommends Fosse by Sam Wasson, an acclaimed biography of choreographer and director Bob Fosse. The book explores the life and career of one of the most influential figures in theater history and provides a compelling portrait of artistic genius and ambition.

If you are interested in creativity, performance, and storytelling, these books offer valuable insights into the minds of people who transformed their industries.

The Humor and Wisdom of Great Memoirs

Unmasked: A Memoir by Andrew Lloyd Webber book cover
Unmasked: A Memoir by Andrew Lloyd Webber

One thing that stands out about Miranda’s reading list is his appreciation for memoirs and personal essays.

David Sedaris appears on the list with Theft by Finding, a collection drawn from decades of diary entries. Sedaris has long been known for his ability to find humor in everyday life, and this book offers readers a more personal glimpse into his experiences.

Another memoir recommendation is Vacationland by John Hodgman. Equal parts funny and reflective, the book explores adulthood, family life, and personal identity through Hodgman’s signature wit.

Miranda also recommends Unmasked: A Memoir by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Given Miranda’s connection to musical theater, it is easy to see why he would be interested in the life story of one of Broadway and the West End’s most successful composers.

Readers interested in theater history will find plenty to enjoy in Lloyd Webber’s recollections of creating legendary productions and navigating the entertainment industry.

Memoirs often provide a different type of inspiration than fiction, and Miranda’s selections show his appreciation for real-life stories told with honesty and humor.

Fantasy and Speculative Fiction Favorites

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi book cover
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Fantasy fans will find plenty to love on Miranda’s list.

Philip Pullman’s The Collectors: A His Dark Materials Story is a short work set within the beloved His Dark Materialsuniverse. Pullman’s world-building and imaginative storytelling have captivated readers for decades, making this a welcome addition for longtime fans.

Another fantasy classic on the list is The Once and Future King along with The Book of Merlyn by T.H. White. These Arthurian novels have influenced countless writers and storytellers, blending mythology, adventure, and philosophy into a timeless narrative.

Miranda also recommends Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi. The bestselling fantasy novel introduced readers to the world of Orïsha and quickly became one of the most talked-about fantasy releases of its generation.

Its rich world-building, compelling characters, and exploration of power and identity make it easy to understand why it earned a place on Miranda’s reading list.

These books reveal Miranda’s appreciation for imaginative stories that transport readers to entirely new worlds.

Thought-Provoking Nonfiction

Consider the Lobster Book by David Foster Wallace book cover
Consider the Lobster by David Foster Wallace

Miranda’s recommendations are not limited to fiction and memoirs.

The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir is one of the most influential works of feminist philosophy ever written. First published in 1949, it continues to shape discussions about gender, society, and equality.

David Foster Wallace’s essay collection Consider the Lobster also appears on the list. Known for his intelligence, humor, and unconventional approach to nonfiction, Wallace explores a wide range of topics while challenging readers to think more deeply about the world around them.

Another intriguing recommendation is Strokes of Genius by L. Jon Wertheim. The book chronicles one of the greatest tennis matches ever played, the 2008 Wimbledon final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Even readers who are not sports fans often find themselves captivated by the drama and intensity of the story.

These selections highlight Miranda’s curiosity and willingness to engage with complex ideas and diverse subjects.

Books for Theater Lovers

Letterman: The Last Giant of Late Night by Jason Zinoman
Giant of Late Night by Jason Zinoman

It should come as no surprise that theater-related books feature prominently on Miranda’s reading list.

Jason Zinoman’s Letterman: The Last Giant of Late Night examines the life and influence of David Letterman, one of television’s most important figures.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag also appears on the list. Before becoming an award-winning television series, Fleabag was a one-woman stage show. Reading the script offers insight into the brilliance of Waller-Bridge’s writing and character development.

Fans of theater and performance will find these books especially appealing because they showcase different forms of storytelling and entertainment.

Unexpected Gems Worth Discovering

The Power by Naomi Alderman book cover
The Power by Naomi Alderman

Some of the most interesting recommendations on Miranda’s list are books that many readers may not recognize immediately.

Target Practice by Carvens Lissaint is a powerful poetry collection exploring identity, race, and personal experience.

The Power by Naomi Alderman offers a provocative speculative-fiction premise that examines gender dynamics and societal structures.

The Sawbones Book by Justin and Sydnee McElroy combines humor and medical history in a highly entertaining way.

These lesser-known titles are often where celebrity recommendation lists become most valuable. While many readers have heard of One Hundred Years of Solitude or A Wrinkle in Time, books like these introduce new voices and perspectives that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Why Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Reading List Stands Out

What makes Miranda’s recommendations so compelling is their diversity.

Some reading lists feel predictable, sticking to a handful of bestselling titles or obvious classics. Miranda’s selections reflect genuine curiosity. He moves comfortably between literary fiction, fantasy, essays, memoirs, theater history, philosophy, poetry, and nonfiction.

That eclectic approach mirrors the creative energy found throughout his career.

Whether he is writing a Broadway musical, composing songs for animated films, acting on screen, or producing new projects, Miranda consistently demonstrates a willingness to draw inspiration from a wide range of sources. His reading habits appear to follow the same philosophy.

As readers, there is something valuable in that approach. Sometimes the best books are not the ones everyone is talking about. They are the unexpected discoveries that challenge us, inspire us, or simply entertain us in surprising ways.

Final Thoughts

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s book recommendations offer a fascinating glimpse into the reading life of one of the most creative storytellers of his generation. From classics like One Hundred Years of Solitude and A Wrinkle in Time to contemporary favorites such as Children of Blood and Bone and The Power, his list covers an impressive range of genres and ideas.

Whether you are a fan of Hamilton, a lover of musical theater, or simply someone searching for your next great read, there is likely something here that will catch your attention.

The best reading lists do more than recommend books, they reveal the interests, inspirations, and passions of the people behind them. In Miranda’s case, they paint a picture of a curious, thoughtful reader who is always looking for new stories to discover.

And honestly, that might be the most inspiring recommendation of all. Until next time, happy reading!

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