Anna Chlumsky, a lifelong book lover, credits her family’s passion for reading as the foundation of her own literary journey.
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“Growing up, every adult I knew was immersed in a book, which instilled in me the certainty that I’d be a reader as well,” shares the star of Apple TV+’s series “Smoke” with Page Six. She confesses that the thought of not being able to read every book in existence once made her “anxious.”
“Then I realized there are books about golf statistics, and that calmed me down,” she adds with a laugh.
Now a seasoned actress, Chlumsky has learned to cherish novels that enlighten her and has resolved to abandon books that don’t capture her interest, without feeling guilty.
“I value a well-crafted sentence as much as a well-cooked meal,” she explains. “Realizing that I could stop reading a book that wasn’t bringing me joy was liberating. I thought, ‘Why not just close it and move on?’ It was life-changing. There’s no point in drudging through text that doesn’t resonate with you, unless, of course, you need to pass a test or something. Then, you just have to push through.”
Chlumsky, who is gearing up for her role in the upcoming play “Queens” starting October 14 at the Manhattan Theatre Club, enjoys spending her downtime on solo lunch dates with a good book.
“It might just be a New York thing,” she quips.
Below are Chlumsky’s top six book recommendations.
“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl
“An essential read for everyone. Without exception.”
“The Tiger’s Wife” by Téa Obreht
“This novel holds a special place in my heart and remains one of my favorites. Téa Obreht is a writer I deeply admire. Her work is remarkable, and this book is particularly memorable for me.”
“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD
“A challenging yet crucial read on trauma which reflects our current understanding of psychology. It’s profoundly impactful for those who engage with it.”
“Lonesome Dove” by Larry McMurtry
“I have revisited this epic Western numerous times since my teenage years. It sets the bar for the genre, and nothing else has come close to surpassing it.”
“The Whole-Brain Child” by Daniel J. Siegel, MD, and Tina Payne Bryson, PhD
“This is the book I recommend most often. It not only guides my parenting but influences all of my relationships.”
“Kitchen” by Banana Yoshimoto
“Yoshimoto’s novel transformed my approach to literature, blending simplicity with deep impact, much like life itself. Plus, the protagonist’s passion for food resonates with my own.”
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Ellis McDowell is a trend analyst with a sharp eye for spotting the next big thing in entertainment. With years of experience in digital media and trend forecasting, Nora tracks the movements of influencers, viral content, and entertainment trends. Her insights help shape the stories that captivate our audience.
