Mindy Kaling, renowned for her multifaceted career as an actress, writer, producer, and director, has consistently showcased her literary acumen through her own publications and by championing works that resonate with her dynamic perspective. Her curated book recommendations offer readers a glimpse into her diverse interests, spanning humor, cultural narratives, and compelling fiction.
One of her notable picks is The Vibrant Years by Sonali Dev, the inaugural release from Mindy’s Book Studio. The book follows three generations of Desai women navigating personal and collective challenges, and Kaling praises Dev’s ability to bring drama, fun, and Bollywood richness to the narrative.
Another selection from her book studio is I’ll Stop the World by Lauren Thoman, a suspenseful novel with romance woven throughout. Kaling highlights its engaging plot and memorable characters as a standout in contemporary fiction.
Her latest selection, The Rules of Fortune by Danielle Prescod, explores the complexities of a wealthy Black American family confronting internal secrets and societal expectations after the death of their patriarch. Kaling admires its ambitious narrative and strong female leads.
For fans of humor and romance, Kaling recommends Woke Up Like This by Amy Lea, a coming-of-age story with a supernatural twist. She has expressed interest in seeing this book adapted for the screen.
Reflecting on her formative reading experiences, Kaling recalls being captivated by Michael Crichton’s Sphere, a thrilling novel that kept her up at night.
She deeply connects with The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, which explores cultural identity and family expectations, mirroring Kaling’s own experiences as the child of immigrants.
Another frequently recommended novel is Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, an epic romance featuring insightful commentary on love, prejudice, and assimilation.
Before collaborating on The Rules of Fortune, Kaling was moved by Danielle Prescod’s memoir Token Black Girl, a sharp-witted exploration of race and media representation.
One of her surprising favorites is A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley, a retelling of Shakespeare’s King Lear set on an Iowan farm, which captivated her with its intricate portrayal of family dysfunction.
For those who enjoy comedic mysteries, she recommends Drop Dead Sisters by Amelia Diane Coombs, about three estranged sisters who find themselves entangled in a crime during a family camping trip.
Another notable recommendation is On Beauty by Zadie Smith, which was gifted to her by Natalie Portman and deeply resonated with Kaling’s views on appearance, self-worth, and fidelity.
Of course, Kaling’s own books make the list. Her memoir Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) offers a humorous and candid look at her journey in Hollywood. She continues this narrative in Why Not Me?, diving deeper into her experiences with success, relationships, and self-doubt.
Her collection of essays, Nothing Like I Imagined (Except for Sometimes), provides an intimate look at her life as a single mother and career-driven woman.
Lastly, Kaling has expressed admiration for The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach, which explores ambition, relationships, and the personal challenges of a college baseball team.
These recommendations showcase Kaling’s diverse literary interests, from humor and romance to thought-provoking narratives on identity and ambition. Whether you’re a fan of her writing or looking for your next great read, her selections offer something for everyone.
Featured Image: Claire Leahy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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