In an era dominated by algorithms and screens, Dua Lipa has taken an unexpected turn: turning books into an aspirational phenomenon. With her book club on Service95, the pop star redefines the role of celebrity by connecting a young audience with stories that inspire, challenge and transform.
«I’ve always believed that books have a special power. They allow you to disconnect and reconnect at the same time,» said the artist during her speech at the Hay Festival, the prestigious British literary event, where she took the opportunity to promote her book club. In a conversation that mixed enthusiasm and reflection, the singer explained that this initiative not only responds to her love of literature, but to a desire to create a space for cultural dialogue: «Books are important to me, and if I can share that with others, I feel like I’m on the right path.»
A literary renaissance for a digital generation
Dua Lipa’s book club isn’t just a monthly list of titles.It goes further, integrating exclusive interviews with authors, selections of songs that accompany the creative processes and a curation that combines big names with emerging voices. This strategic mix has a clear objective: to show that reading can not only be a personal refuge, but also an act of collective connection.
In her conversation with Hernán Díaz, author of “ Trust ,” Lipa explored the complexities of fragmented narrative and truth in literature, and did not hesitate to share how this book challenged her: “It is a work that forces you to question everything you think you know. As a reader, I became a kind of detective trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together.».
Lipa’s book club doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s part of a broader literary renaissance led by celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon , who have transformed book clubs into platforms with mass reach. What sets Lipa apart, however, is her ability to connect with a young audience that might not have previously considered reading “aspirational.”With over 88 million followers on Instagram, her influence is immense: every book she mentions becomes a global topic of conversation.
The numbers bear this out. Since the launch of Service95, several publishers have reported significant increases in sales of titles recommended by Lipa. “Trust,” for example, saw a 35% increase in international distribution shortly after being chosen as the read of the month, while Khaled Hosseini’s “A Thousand Splendid Suns” returned to the bestseller lists.
And this movement doesn’t just benefit established authors. By highlighting works by emerging writers, Lipa is helping to diversify the literary landscape. In an interview, the singer mentioned her interest in including titles that explore issues of gender, race and social inequality: «I want my club to be an inclusive space, where voices that normally don’t have as much visibility are heard.»
The success of Lipa’s book club reflects a broader trend in pop culture: the convergence of artistic disciplines. Just as BookTok, TikTok’s literary community, has revitalized the publishing industry by connecting young readers,Lipa uses her musical platform to create a bridge between literature and digital culture.Her interdisciplinary approach is reflected in the playlists she creates to accompany her readings: «I believe that music and books are deeply connected. They both have the power to transport you to another place.»
It’s not hard to imagine that this model could evolve into a larger ecosystem. Some analysts are already speculating about the possibility of film adaptations or strategic collaborations between Lipa and publishers to turn her influence into a profitable business model. For the singer, however, the approach remains more personal: «I’m not doing this for strategy. I’m doing it because I love books and I want to share that passion with others.»
Perhaps most notable is the psychological and philosophical impact it fosters on its audience. As she said at the Hay Festival : «Reading teaches you to see the world through different eyes. It’s a reminder that, even though we are different, there is something universal in the human experience.»
What’s next for Dua Lipa in her «literary era»?While working on her next album, she has also hinted that she might consider writing a book of her own someday. But for now, her focus is on her community of readers.»It doesn’t matter if you read five pages or five books a year. The important thing is that you take the time to disconnect and reflect. That’s what books teach us.»
Below is a list of all the books recommended by Dua Lipa’s book club:
2025
January : Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead — Olga Tokarczuk
A genre-bending thriller, philosophy and astrology, Lipa excels at dark humour and her ability to both infuriate and move.
2024
December :
Brightly Shining — Ingvild Rishøi
A touching Christmas story with echoes of The Little Match Girl .
James — Percival Everett
Review of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, the slave.
Tenth of December — George Saunders
A collection of short stories including the acclaimed The Semplica Girl Diaries .
In the Distance — Hernán Díaz
An evocative western that Lipa is currently reading.
The Last Dream — Pedro Almodóvar
A collection of stories by the iconic Spanish filmmaker.
November : On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous — Ocean Vuong
A poetic novel that addresses the American dream and mother-son love.
October : Lincoln in the Bardo — George Saunders
A tale of grief set during the American Civil War, featuring unforgettable spirit voices.
September : Bad Habit — Alana S. Portero
A vivid portrait of a young trans woman in 1980s Madrid, full of marginal characters and nightclubs.
July : Noughts & Crosses — Malorie Blackman
Story that raises questions about race and privilege in an alternate universe.
June : Say Nothing — Patrick Radden Keefe
An exploration of the Northern Irish conflict told with intrigue and captivating characters.
May : Swimming in the Dark — Tomasz Jedrowski
Love letter set in communist Poland, with a strong criticism of LGBTQ+ suffering.
April : Crying in H Mart — Michelle Zauner
A memoir about mother-daughter relationships, loss, and Korean cuisine.
March : Trust — Hernán Díaz
A complex narrative about money, power and alternative realities in New York.
February : A Thousand Splendid Suns — Khaled Hosseini
A moving account of oppression and friendship between women in Afghanistan.
January : The Guest — Emma Cline
Minimalist novel that explores tension, privilege and survival on Long Island.
2023
November : The Vanishing Half — Brit Bennett
Multigenerational family drama examining race, class and identity.
September : Just Kids — Patti Smith
Memories of the New York punk and art scene with a focus on love and friendship.
August : Half of a Yellow Sun — Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Story of love and war in Nigeria during the Biafra conflict.
July : Pachinko — Min Jin Lee
Multi-generational saga about a Korean family in Japan and the sacrifices of immigrants.
June : Shuggie Bain — Douglas Stuart
Story of a mother-son relationship marked by alcoholism, full of tenderness and love.
Photos: Instagram Dua Lipa minus the screenshot of the interview with Hernán Díaz, which is a screenshot from YT.
