Olivia Rodrigo’s Favorite Books: 15 Books That Inspired the Grammy-Winning Singer

Olivia Rodrigo is one of the biggest music stars of her generation. From the release of her breakout hit drivers license to the chart-topping success of SOUR and GUTS, Rodrigo has proven that she is more than just a talented singer. She is also an incredibly thoughtful songwriter whose work often draws inspiration from literature, poetry, and personal reflection.

While many fans know her for her emotional lyrics and powerful performances, fewer people realize that Rodrigo is also an avid reader. Whether she is sharing books on social media, discussing literary influences in interviews, or carrying novels and poetry collections while traveling, Rodrigo has made it clear that reading plays a major role in her creative life.

Her bookshelf is filled with everything from classic literature and contemporary nonfiction to poetry collections and beloved young adult novels. In fact, some of the songs on GUTS were directly inspired by books she read while writing the album.

Today, we are taking a closer look at Olivia Rodrigo’s favorite books and exploring how these works have influenced one of music’s most exciting young artists.

Olivia Rodrigo’s Favorite Books

• Helium by Rudy Francisco
• The Marvels by Brian Selznick
• Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion
• The Flame by Leonard Cohen
• Auguries of Innocence by Patti Smith
• Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut
• Twilight by Stephenie Meyers
• Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
• A Natural Woman by Carole King
• 1984 by George Orwell
• American Girl Baking by Williams-Sonoma and American Girl
• Poison for Breakfast by Lemony Snicket
• Wading in Waist-High Water: The Lyrics of Fleet Foxes by Robin Pecknold
• All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks
• And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
• The Defining Decade by Meg Jay

Helium by Rudy Francisco

Poetry has always been an important part of Rodrigo’s reading life, and one of the collections she has highlighted is Helium by Rudy Francisco.

Francisco is known for his spoken-word performances and emotionally charged poetry. His work tackles themes of love, heartbreak, identity, self-worth, and social issues with honesty and vulnerability.

For fans of Rodrigo’s songwriting, it is easy to see why she would connect with Francisco’s writing. Both artists have a gift for expressing complicated emotions in a way that feels personal and relatable.

The Marvels by Brian Selznick

Brian Selznick’s The Marvels is a unique novel that combines illustrations and prose to tell an ambitious multigenerational story.

Selznick is best known for The Invention of Hugo Cabret, and The Marvels showcases the same creativity and imagination that made him famous. The novel explores family, art, identity, and storytelling itself.

Its innovative structure and emotional depth make it a memorable read for readers of all ages.

Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion

One of the most influential books on Rodrigo’s reading list is Joan Didion’s Slouching Towards Bethlehem.

The collection of essays examines California culture, the counterculture movement of the 1960s, and the changing social landscape of America. Didion’s sharp observations and elegant prose have made this book a modern classic.

The impact of the book on Rodrigo’s music is undeniable. The title track “All-American Bitch” from GUTS was inspired by a phrase Rodrigo encountered while reading one of Didion’s essays.

Rodrigo explained that the phrase came from an essay about runaways and hippies in San Francisco. She was struck by the provocative nature of the words and immediately found herself inspired to write.

This connection demonstrates just how closely literature and songwriting are linked in Rodrigo’s creative process.

The Flame by Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen was known around the world as a singer-songwriter, but he was also an accomplished poet and novelist.

The Flame is a posthumous collection that includes poems, journal entries, lyrics, and drawings created during the final years of Cohen’s life.

Readers get an intimate look at the mind of one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. For a songwriter like Rodrigo, Cohen’s ability to blend poetry and music likely serves as a powerful source of inspiration.

Auguries of Innocence by Patti Smith

Patti Smith is another artist who successfully bridged the worlds of music and literature.

Auguries of Innocence is a collection of essays, reflections, and poems that explores Smith’s life, creativity, and artistic influences.

The book holds special significance for Rodrigo because Smith personally gifted her a copy. The legendary musician even included an inscription encouraging Rodrigo to continue creating and finding inspiration.

Receiving a book from one of your artistic heroes is something few readers ever experience, making this one of the most meaningful books on Rodrigo’s shelf.

Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut

Kurt Vonnegut’s Breakfast of Champions remains one of the most celebrated satirical novels ever written.

The novel tackles consumerism, politics, race, free will, and American culture through Vonnegut’s trademark humor and absurdity.

Although it is very different from the emotional themes found in Rodrigo’s music, the book’s creativity and unconventional storytelling make it easy to understand why it would appeal to someone who values artistic originality.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

No reading list from a member of Generation Z would be complete without at least one cultural phenomenon, and Rodrigo has spoken about her love for Twilight.

Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling vampire romance became a global sensation and introduced millions of readers to young adult fiction.

While critics have debated the series for years, there is no denying its impact on popular culture. Rodrigo’s appreciation for the series highlights her willingness to embrace books simply because they are fun and meaningful to her.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Creativity can be challenging, especially when millions of people are watching your every move.

That is why Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert resonates with so many artists.

The author of Eat, Pray, Love explores the creative process and encourages readers to pursue their passions without fear of failure.

For musicians, writers, and creators, Gilbert’s message is particularly powerful. It is easy to imagine Rodrigo finding motivation and reassurance in its pages while navigating the pressures of fame.

A Natural Woman by Carole King

Carole King is one of the greatest songwriters of all time, so it makes sense that Rodrigo would be interested in her memoir.

A Natural Woman chronicles King’s rise from aspiring songwriter to music legend.

The memoir offers insights into the music industry, the creative process, and the challenges King faced throughout her remarkable career.

For a young songwriter building her own legacy, King’s experiences provide both inspiration and valuable lessons.

1984 by George Orwell

George Orwell’s 1984 is one of the most influential novels ever written.

The dystopian classic explores surveillance, government control, censorship, and the manipulation of truth.

Decades after its publication, the novel remains relevant and continues to attract new generations of readers.

Its inclusion on Rodrigo’s reading list demonstrates her appreciation for books that challenge readers to think critically about society.

American Girl Baking

Not every favorite book needs to be a literary classic.

Rodrigo has also shown affection for American Girl Baking, a cookbook created by Williams-Sonoma and American Girl.

The book features recipes designed for young bakers and celebrates creativity in the kitchen.

Its appearance on this list serves as a reminder that reading is about enjoyment, curiosity, and personal connection—not just literary prestige.

Poison for Breakfast by Lemony Snicket

Lemony Snicket’s Poison for Breakfast is a quirky and philosophical mystery that asks big questions while telling a surprisingly entertaining story.

The novel follows a narrator who receives a note informing him that he has been poisoned.

What follows is an unusual journey filled with humor, reflection, and literary references.

Fans of clever storytelling and unique narratives will likely understand why Rodrigo was drawn to this charming book.

Wading in Waist-High Water: The Lyrics of Fleet Foxes by Robin Pecknold

As a songwriter, Rodrigo naturally gravitates toward lyric collections.

Robin Pecknold’s Wading in Waist-High Water offers readers a deeper look at the lyrics behind Fleet Foxes’ music.

The collection examines songwriting, creativity, and artistic expression through one of indie music’s most respected voices.

For aspiring musicians and writers, it provides a fascinating glimpse into how songs are crafted.

All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks

bell hooks’ All About Love has become one of the most influential nonfiction books of the past twenty-five years.

The book explores relationships, community, self-love, and the meaning of genuine connection.

Hooks challenges readers to rethink traditional ideas about love and encourages a more compassionate approach to human relationships.

Given the emotional honesty present in Rodrigo’s music, it is easy to see why this book would resonate with her.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None remains one of the greatest mystery novels ever written.

The story follows ten strangers who are invited to a remote island only to find themselves trapped as a killer begins eliminating them one by one.

The novel is filled with suspense, twists, and unforgettable tension.

Even decades after its publication, it continues to captivate readers around the world.

The Defining Decade by Meg Jay

Meg Jay’s The Defining Decade focuses on the importance of a person’s twenties and the choices that shape the rest of their life.

The book combines psychological research with practical advice, encouraging young adults to take advantage of opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

As someone navigating fame, adulthood, and a rapidly evolving career, Rodrigo likely found valuable insights within its pages.

Why Olivia Rodrigo’s Reading List Stands Out

What makes Olivia Rodrigo’s favorite books so fascinating is their variety.

Many celebrity reading lists focus exclusively on bestselling novels or trendy releases. Rodrigo’s list, however, reflects a genuine love of literature. It includes poetry, memoirs, essays, nonfiction, classics, young adult novels, mysteries, lyric collections, and books about creativity.

Her reading habits also reveal how deeply books influence her songwriting. Rather than simply reading for entertainment, she actively incorporates ideas, phrases, emotions, and themes into her creative work.

The connection between Slouching Towards Bethlehem and “All-American Bitch” is a perfect example of how literature can spark artistic inspiration.

Final Thoughts

Olivia Rodrigo may be known for writing some of the most memorable songs of the decade, but her love of books deserves attention as well.

From Joan Didion and Patti Smith to Agatha Christie and George Orwell, Rodrigo’s favorite books showcase a reader who values creativity, emotional honesty, and thoughtful storytelling. Her reading list offers a fascinating glimpse into the influences behind her music and provides plenty of recommendations for fans looking to expand their own bookshelves.

Whether you are a longtime Olivia Rodrigo fan or simply searching for your next great read, these books are an excellent place to start. They highlight the power of literature to inspire creativity, shape perspectives, and leave a lasting impact on the artists who help define a generation.

If Rodrigo’s music is any indication, the stories and poems she reads today may very well inspire the songs we will be listening to tomorrow. Until next time, happy reading!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook