Billy Porter Reveals His Top Six Must-Read Books

Curious about what books your favorite celebrities are diving into? Whether it’s a timeless work or the latest must-read, welcome to Page-Turners, a spot where celebrities share their current reads. Get ready: your reading list is about to expand significantly.

Although he wasn’t keen on the topic during his school days, Billy Porter lists several history books among his top reads.

The celebrated “Pose” actor, who just released his new children’s book “Songbird in the Light” on Tuesday, enjoys works by James Baldwin, Nikole Hannah-Jones, and Ta Nehisi Coates.

Porter’s inaugural venture into children’s literature, which he co-authored with Chris Clarkson and illustrated by Charly Palmer, explores themes of self-expression, individuality, and confronting fears.

“I wrote this book to help children recognize and hold onto their joy and love… A type of love that remains unshaken by the world,” Porter notes in his author’s statement.

Below are six books Porter highly recommends.

“Another Country” / “Tell Me How Long the Train’s Been Gone” by James Baldwin

“James Baldwin paved the way for black queer men like myself to thrive. I feel a deep connection to him as I strive to embrace all aspects of my identity,” Porter shares with Page Six, mentioning that “Tell Me How Long the Train’s Been Gone” is also among his favorites.

“Baldwin: A Love Story” by Nicholas Boggs

“I am thrilled about my upcoming role portraying Mr. Baldwin in his biographical film,” he announces about the project first disclosed in 2023.

“The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins

“My life’s guideline is to not let others’ opinions on social media define me. Mel Robbins’ ‘Let Them Theory’ is essentially a manual on maintaining this mindset,” Porter explains.

“107 Days” by Kamala Harris

“The reflections of [Former] Vice President Harris outline the pervasive corruption within our so-called democratic system. Power inevitably corrupts, irrespective of political affiliations. President Biden’s unfulfilled promise of serving a single term to pave the way for the first black female president was a letdown for us all,” Porter critiques.

“1619 Project” by Nikole Hannah-Jones

“History was my least favorite subject because it always felt incomplete and dishonest. Hannah-Jones’ ‘1619 Project’ is a profound, detailed exploration of the African-American experience, filled with painful truths. Despite the adversity, we continue to rise,” says Porter.

“We Were Eight Years in Power” by Ta Nehisi Coates

“Coates’ masterful collection of essays from the Obama era lucidly presents the political landscape of 2008-2016, highlighting that progressive strides in America often provoke severe backlash rooted in white supremacy. He urged us to brace ourselves for this backlash, a warning we all too often overlook,” Porter reflects.