What’s on their nightstands? Celebs share their must-read books and why they matter

Many of us look to celebrities and well-known figures for guidance on fashion, travel and lifestyle choices. 

Increasingly, we are also looking to them for inspiration in reading. 

When a public figure shares the book they are currently enjoying, it can spark curiosity, influence reading habits and even introduce us to stories we may never have discovered on our own. 

Here is a look at some of the books that South African and international favourites are reading, and the ways their choices influence us.

“The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese

Podcaster and television host Nozibele Mayaba recently shared her thoughts on Facebook, writing, “I’ve been enjoying this read!”

The book she is referring to, “The Covenant of Water”, spans the years 1900 to 1977 and tells the story of a family in southern India living under a peculiar fate.

In each generation, at least one family member dies by drowning, a tragic cycle that becomes all the more poignant in Kerala, where water surrounds daily life.

The story begins at the turn of the century with a twelve-year-old girl mourning the death of her father. She is sent by boat to her wedding, where she will meet her forty-year-old husband for the first time.

From this beginning, she grows into Big Ammachi, the family matriarch, whose long life reflects both the joys and the hardships of love, as well as the challenges of a world in constant change.

“Welcome to Anywhere” by Joe Ruzvidzo

Writer Sue Nyathi recently shared her latest read on Instagram.

Nyathi described it as a novel that combines crime, supernatural elements and coming-of-age drama, set in a small African town affected by war.

The story follows Billy, an ordinary teenager whose life changes dramatically when he becomes involved in a chaotic bank robbery. During the robbery, Billy becomes possessed by the spirit of a deceased soldier with a troubled past.

Through this unusual lens, the novel explores themes of life, death and resilience. Nyathi wrote that it “emphasises the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.” 

“Bridge of Sighs” by Richard Russo

American host and television producer, Oprah Winfrey, whose reading choices have long influenced a global audience, recommended “Bridge of Sighs" by Richard Russo on Instagram.

She described the book as containing everything one might seek in a summer read, including romance, family drama and moments of reflection about life. 

The story centres on one man’s life in a small town, which is upended by a trip to Venice that reawakens past relationships and unfulfilled dreams.

The novel examines themes of unrequited love, the weight of family history and the question of whether one can truly overcome destiny.

“Once Upon a Time in Dollywood” by Ashley Jordan

American actress and film producer, Reese Witherspoon, also recently shared a book she enjoyed, praising Ashley Jordan’s storytelling for being full of heart and humour. 

The novel follows playwright Eve Ambroise, who moves to the Tennessee mountains seeking a fresh start. She leaves her fiancé and her family behind, claiming she is on a writing retreat.

Over time, she develops a relationship with her neighbour, single father Jamie Gallagher, as they navigate the challenges of trust, fear and love.

Their story explores the tension between self-protection and the desire for meaningful connection, demonstrating how taking risks in life can lead to unexpected rewards. 

When well-known people share the books they are reading, they do more than spark curiosity. Their recommendations guide followers to stories that connect emotionally, culturally or intellectually.

People may choose a book because they trust their taste, want to join the conversation or seek a new perspective. 

In today’s social media world, these suggestions can change how people discover literature. Followers are introduced to diverse voices, international stories and new authors.

These people become cultural guides, shaping taste and inspiring a love of reading beyond entertainment.