Jay Ellis Reveals Top 6 Must-Read Books — Find Out His Favorites!

Curious about the books that your favorite celebrities can’t put down? Welcome to Page-Turners, a spotlight where stars share the reads that captivate, motivate, and keep them awake into the wee hours. Get ready to expand your to-be-read list significantly.

For Jay Ellis, books are “holy.”

“Books represent knowledge, amusement, a tool for self-discovery, and a space for imagination,” shares the lead from “Running Point” with Page Six.

However, his passion for reading did not develop overnight.

“Originally, I absolutely despised books,” confesses Ellis, whose own title, “Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)?” was released in paperback on September 16.

“As a kid, my mom would insist I read and report on books every summer. I’d watch other kids play outside while I was stuck reading before I could join them,” he recalls. Over time, though, the stories captured his interest and became a source of inspiration.

Now, he typically spends his days with nonfiction and switches to a gripping novel in the evenings.

Below are the six books that Jay Ellis insists everyone should read.

“Heavy” by Kiese Laymon

“Reading this book feels like attending a confession, a sermon, and a roast all rolled into one. Laymon’s honesty is piercing yet incredibly funny. He illuminates parts of you that you didn’t even realize were in the shadows. It’s a profound experience that leaves you shaken and thankful.”

“The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin

“Rubin’s message is to stop overanalyzing and just let the magic unfold, which is liberating yet a bit frustrating because, well, it’s not that simple, Rick. But thanks anyway! He has a unique way of expressing the essence of creativity that really resonates. I came away seeing art not just as something you create, but as something essential, like breathing.”

“Friday Black” by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

“Adjei-Brenyah’s stories are a mix of wild, humorous, and sharp—imagine Black Mirror but with more melanin and empathy. He turns everyday absurdities into powerful social critiques that hit hard. The satire made me laugh and then immediately question why I was laughing.”

“Eat a Peach” by David Chang

“Chang’s writing is as fearless and inventive as his cooking—bold, candid, and raw. He exposes the gritty journey toward perfection, making the narrative compelling. By the end, I found myself cheering for him as if he were a close friend, even during his less likable moments.”

“The Mamba Mentality” by Kobe Bryant

“Kobe lays out a blueprint not just for basketball, but for life—attacking it with a ferocity as if it owes you something. Part visual journey, part deep dive into obsession, this book is a glimpse into what relentless pursuit of excellence looks like.”

“Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates

“Coates writes with the closeness of a father’s whisper and the gravity of centuries. It’s an intense, lyrical narrative that feels like uncovering a long-hidden truth. This was a book I marked up so much, it felt almost criminal.”