Natalie Portman is an acclaimed actress and filmmaker with a career that highlights her versatility and commitment to challenging roles. Born in Jerusalem in 1981 and raised in the United States, Portman made her film debut in "Léon: The Professional" and gained further recognition as Padmé Amidala in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy. Her performance in "Black Swan" earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Portman is also known for her roles in "V for Vendetta," "Jackie," and "Annihilation," among others. Her choice of roles often reflects her interest in strong, complex characters and her desire to address important social and political themes.
❝I don't love studying. I hate studying. I like learning. Learning is beautiful.❞ — Natalie Portman
Education plays a significant role in Portman's life; she graduated from Harvard University with a degree in psychology. She is an avid reader, a trait that complements her academic pursuits and influences her approach to her roles and public engagements. Portman's interest in reading spans a wide range of subjects, including literature, science, and international affairs, reflecting her broad intellectual curiosity. This love for reading not only informs her understanding of the characters she portrays but also fuels her activism and her efforts to promote educational initiatives and gender equality in the entertainment industry.
Natalie Portman's Favorite Books
Last Updated: June 2024
Just Kids
Author: Patti Smith
Publisher: Ecco
Date: Jan 19th, 2010
This memoir by musician and artist Patti Smith recounts her deep and enduring friendship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City's art scene in the 1960s and 70s.
Middlemarch
Author: George Eliot
Publisher: Macmillan Collector's Library
Date: May 8th, 2018
This classic novel delves into the interwoven lives of the residents of Middlemarch, addressing themes of social change, ambition, and the search for fulfillment in early 19th-century England.
The Vulnerables: A Novel
Author: Sigrid Nunez
Publisher: Riverhead Books
Date: Nov 7th, 2023
Nunez's novel explores themes of aging, companionship, and vulnerability as a group of friends navigate the challenges and unexpected joys of their later years, offering a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of life's final stages.
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Girl, Woman, Other
Author: Bernardine Evaristo
Publisher: Hamish Hamilton
Date: May 2nd, 2019
This Booker Prize-winning novel weaves together the lives of twelve characters, predominantly black women in Britain, across different generations and social backgrounds, exploring themes of identity, race, and womanhood.
Poet Warrior: A Memoir
Author: Joy Harjo
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Date: Sep 7th, 2021
Harjo, the first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate, shares her journey through poetry, music, and storytelling, weaving together personal history and Native American heritage to explore themes of resilience, identity, and artistic expression.
Crying in H Mart: A Memoir
Author: Michelle Zauner
Publisher: Knopf
Date: Apr 20th, 2021
This memoir by the lead singer of Japanese Breakfast poignantly recounts her experiences growing up Korean American, her struggles with identity and loss, and the healing power of food and music after the death of her mother.
What Is the What: The Autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng
Author: Dave Eggers
Publisher: Paw Prints
Date: Nov 13th, 2024
Based on the real-life experiences of Valentino Achak Deng, this novel tells the harrowing and inspiring story of a Sudanese refugee's journey from his war-torn homeland to the challenges of adapting to life in America.
Cloud Atlas: A Novel
Author: David Mitchell
Publisher: Random House
Date: Nov 20th, 2012
An intricate tale where six interlinked narratives spanning different time periods and genres explore how individual actions and consequences ripple through time, ultimately influencing one another in profound ways.
The Postcard
Author: Anne Berest
Publisher: Europa Editions
Date: May 16th, 2023
In this novel, a woman receives a mysterious postcard that leads her on a journey to uncover her family's hidden history, intertwining personal discovery with a deeper exploration of identity and memory.
Fight Night
Author: Miriam Toews
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Date: Oct 5th, 2021
This novel follows three generations of women—Elvira, her daughter Grace, and her granddaughter Swiv—as they navigate life's challenges with resilience, humor, and an unbreakable spirit, showcasing Toews' trademark blend of poignancy and wit.
Freedom: A Novel
Author: Jonathan Franzen
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Date: Aug 31st, 2010
Jonathan Franzen explores the story of the Berglund family, capturing the struggles and paradoxes of American life as they navigate personal freedoms, responsibilities, and the environmental and political issues shaping their times.
All About Love: New Visions
Author: bell hooks
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Date: Jan 30th, 2018
Hooks offers a profound exploration of the nature of love in contemporary society, addressing its many forms and advocating for a return to a love ethic that fosters mutual respect, compassion, and justice.
Kaddish.com
Author: Nathan Englander
Publisher: W&N
Date: Mar 26th, 2019
This darkly humorous novel follows Larry, a secular Jewish man who, in a moment of crisis, outsources the saying of Kaddish (the Jewish mourning prayer) for his deceased father to a website, leading to unexpected spiritual and personal consequences.
Bridge to Terabithia, Cover may vary
Author: Katherine Paterson
Publisher: HarperCollins
Date: May 2nd, 2017
This beloved children's novel tells the story of Jess and Leslie, two lonely children who create an imaginary kingdom called Terabithia, where they find friendship, adventure, and the courage to face real-life challenges.
Judas
Author: Amos Oz
Publisher: HarperVia
Date: Nov 8th, 2016
Oz's novel reimagines the biblical story of Judas Iscariot through the lens of a young Israeli scholar who, while writing his thesis on Judas, becomes entangled in the lives of an enigmatic woman and an aging Zionist, exploring themes of betrayal, faith, and the complexities of historical narrative.
Great House: A Novel
Author: Nicole Krauss
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Date: Oct 5th, 2010
Krauss's novel weaves together the lives of four characters linked by a mysterious desk, exploring themes of memory, loss, and the ways in which our possessions shape our identities.
Lost Children Archive: A novel
Author: Valeria Luiselli
Publisher: Vintage
Date: Feb 12th, 2019
Luiselli's novel follows a family on a road trip from New York to the U.S.-Mexico border, interweaving their journey with stories of migrant children, exploring themes of displacement, identity, and the American immigration crisis.
Summer Snow: New Poems
Author: Robert Hass
Publisher: Ecco
Date: Jan 7th, 2020
In this collection, former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Hass offers meditative and lyrical poems that reflect on nature, politics, and the human condition, capturing the beauty and complexity of everyday life.
Foster
Author: Claire Keegan
Publisher: Grove Press
Date: Nov 1st, 2022
This novella tells the poignant story of a young girl sent to live with foster parents on a farm in rural Ireland, where she experiences unexpected love and care, leading to profound personal growth and change.
Eating Animals
Author: Jonathan Safran Foer
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Date: Oct 14th, 2009
Foer blends memoir, investigative journalism, and ethical inquiry to explore the complexities of meat consumption and the moral implications of our dietary choices.
Royals
Author: Emma Forrest
Publisher: Bloomsbury Circus
Date: Nov 14th, 2019
Set against the backdrop of the 1981 royal wedding, this novel follows two teenagers from different backgrounds who form an unlikely friendship while recovering in a London hospital, navigating issues of class, identity, and the longing for connection.
The Dry Heart
Author: Natalia Ginzburg
Publisher: New Directions
Date: Jun 25th, 2019
This concise and powerful novella begins with the protagonist's shocking confession of killing her husband and then unravels the emotional and psychological turmoil leading up to the act, reflecting on the complexities of love and betrayal.
Life Isn't Everything
Author: Ash Carter
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Date: Nov 12th, 2019
This oral biography of the legendary director Mike Nichols compiles recollections from friends, family, and colleagues, offering an intimate portrait of his life, work, and enduring impact on American culture.
The Diary of a Country Priest
Author: Georges Bernanos
Publisher: Lulu.com
Date: Sep 6th, 2019
This novel chronicles the struggles and spiritual journey of a young, idealistic priest in a small French village, whose attempts to live a Christ-like life lead to both suffering and profound insights into the human condition.
Vladimir: A Novel
Author: Julia May Jonas
Publisher: Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster
Date: Feb 1st, 2022
In this provocative debut, an aging English professor becomes infatuated with a younger novelist, setting off a chain of events that examine power dynamics, desire, and the shifting landscape of academia.
Sun Under Wood
Author: Robert Hass
Publisher: Ecco
Date: Mar 1st, 1998
This collection of poetry by former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Hass explores themes of nature, love, and human experience with a lyrical and reflective style, showcasing his keen observations and emotional depth.
Normal People: A Novel
Author: Sally Rooney
Publisher: Crown
Date: Apr 16th, 2019
Rooney's novel explores the intricate and evolving relationship between Connell and Marianne, two Irish teenagers who navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth from high school to university.
Women Without Men: A Novella
Author: Shahrnush Parsipur
Publisher: Syracuse Univ Pr
Date: Nov 13th, 1998
Parsipur's novella tells the interconnected stories of five Iranian women who each seek independence and self-discovery in a patriarchal society, blending magical realism with sharp social commentary.
Lolita
Author: Vladimir Nabokov
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Date: Mar 13th, 1989
Vladimir Nabokov's controversial masterpiece narrates the obsessive and doomed love of Humbert Humbert, a middle-aged literature professor, for Dolores Haze, a prepubescent girl, exposing dark themes under the guise of eloquent prose.
Fruiting Bodies
Author: Kathryn Harlan
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Date: Jun 7th, 2022
Harlan's collection of speculative fiction stories explores themes of transformation, identity, and the natural world, often blurring the lines between the real and the fantastical.
Cassandra at the Wedding
Author: Dorothy Baker
Publisher: NYRB Classics
Date: Aug 21st, 2012
This novel follows Cassandra Edwards, a graduate student who returns home to California for her twin sister's wedding, exploring themes of identity, sibling rivalry, and psychological struggle with wit and poignancy.
Becoming Ms. Burton: From Prison to Recovery to Leading the Fight for Incarcerated Women
Author: Susan Burton
Publisher: The New Press
Date: May 9th, 2017
This memoir recounts Susan Burton's journey from addiction and incarceration to becoming a leading advocate for criminal justice reform and a champion for the rights of formerly incarcerated women.
Angle of Repose
Author: Wallace Stegner
Publisher: Vintage
Date: Nov 4th, 2014
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of a retired historian who delves into the life of his pioneer grandparents, exploring themes of family legacy, personal ambition, and the American frontier.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Author: Betty Smith
Publisher: Harper
Date: Nov 13th, 2001
This coming-of-age story set in early 20th-century Brooklyn follows young Francie Nolan as she navigates poverty, family struggles, and her dreams for a better life, highlighting themes of resilience and the pursuit of education.
The Ministry of Special Cases
Author: Nathan Englander
Publisher: Knopf
Date: Apr 24th, 2007
Set in 1970s Argentina during the Dirty War, this novel follows Kaddish Poznan and his wife, Lillian, as they navigate the terrifying landscape of political repression and their desperate search for their missing son.
The Lying Life of Adults: A Novel
Author: Elena Ferrante
Publisher: Europa Editions
Date: Sep 1st, 2020
Ferrante's novel explores the tumultuous coming-of-age of Giovanna, a young girl in Naples, as she discovers the lies and secrets that lie beneath the surface of her family's respectable façade.
Trust
Author: Hernan Diaz
Publisher: Riverhead Books
Date: May 3rd, 2022
Diaz's novel intricately weaves together multiple narratives to explore themes of wealth, power, and the nature of truth in 20th-century America, revealing the complex dynamics of trust and betrayal.
Annihilation
Author: Jeff VanderMeer
Publisher: Fourth Estate Ltd
Date: Feb 27th, 2014
The first book in the Southern Reach Trilogy, this science fiction novel follows a team of women explorers as they venture into the mysterious Area X, a surreal and dangerous landscape where the laws of nature seem to unravel.
Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion
Author: Jia Tolentino
Publisher: Random House
Date: Aug 6th, 2019
In this collection of essays, Tolentino examines the complexities of contemporary culture, exploring themes like the internet, feminism, and the illusions we create about ourselves.
Simple passion
Author: Annie Ernaux
Publisher: Four Walls Eight Windows
Date: Nov 13th, 1993
Ernaux's autobiographical novella delves into the author's obsessive and consuming affair with a married man, capturing the intensity and tumult of desire and longing.
The MANIAC
Author: Benjamin Labatut
Publisher: Penguin Press
Date: Oct 3rd, 2023
A gripping thriller that follows the dark and twisted path of a brilliant mind turned dangerously unstable.
A Sister’s Story
Author: Donatella Di Pietrantonio
Publisher: Europa Editions
Date: Apr 19th, 2022
This novel follows a woman who is suddenly reconnected with her estranged sister, forcing her to confront long-buried family secrets and reevaluate her understanding of love, loyalty, and identity.
Biography of X: A Novel
Author: Catherine Lacey
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Date: Mar 21st, 2023
Lacey's fictional biography delves into the enigmatic life of a renowned artist known only as X, unraveling the mystery of her identity and the impact she had on those around her through a compelling narrative that blurs the lines between fact and fiction.
The Truth Will Set You Free, But First It Will Piss You Off
Author: Gloria Steinem
Publisher: Murdoch Books
Date: Nov 13th, 2024
This collection of quotes, essays, and reflections from feminist icon Gloria Steinem offers insights into her thoughts on social justice, activism, and the ongoing fight for gender equality.
She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement
Author: Jodi Kantor
Publisher: Penguin Books
Date: Sep 10th, 2019
Kantor and Twohey recount their investigative journalism that exposed Harvey Weinstein's sexual harassment and assault, contributing to the rise of the #MeToo movement.
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead: A Novel
Author: Olga Tokarczuk
Publisher: Riverhead Books
Date: Aug 13th, 2019
This genre-defying novel blends mystery, philosophy, and environmentalism as an eccentric elderly woman in a remote Polish village investigates a series of mysterious deaths among her neighbors.
Something That May Shock and Discredit You
Author: Daniel M. Lavery
Publisher: Atria Books
Date: Feb 11th, 2020
Lavery blends memoir, humor, and cultural critique in this collection of essays that explore his experiences with gender transition, literary history, and the transformative power of storytelling.
The Family Roe: An American Story
Author: Joshua Prager
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Date: Sep 14th, 2021
Prager's in-depth investigation into the life and legacy of Norma McCorvey, the "Jane Roe" of Roe v. Wade, reveals the personal and societal impacts of the landmark Supreme Court case on abortion rights in America.
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Weather: A Novel
Author: Jenny Offill
Publisher: Knopf
Date: Feb 11th, 2020
Offill's novel, told in a fragmented, vignette style, follows Lizzie, a librarian turned pseudo-therapist, as she grapples with climate anxiety, familial responsibilities, and the search for meaning in an increasingly uncertain world.
The Waves
Author: Virginia Woolf
Publisher: Bibliotech Press
Date: Jul 26th, 2018
This innovative novel captures the inner lives of six characters through a series of soliloquies, blending their voices into a lyrical exploration of individual consciousness and the passage of time.
When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir
Author: Patrisse Cullors
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Date: Jan 16th, 2018
Co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, Patrisse Cullors, shares her personal story of growing up Black and poor in Los Angeles, detailing her journey towards activism and the creation of a global movement for racial justice.
Martyr!: A Novel
Author: Kaveh Akbar
Publisher: Knopf
Date: Jan 23rd, 2024
This debut novel from acclaimed poet Kaveh Akbar is a fictional exploration of faith, identity, and transformation, though it should be noted that this is a speculative description, as Akbar is primarily known for his poetry.
American Pastoral
Author: Philip Roth
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Date: Nov 13th, 1997
Roth's novel follows the life of Seymour "Swede" Levov, a successful Jewish-American businessman whose idyllic life is shattered by the political turmoil and radicalism of the 1960s, particularly through the actions of his rebellious daughter.
Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses
Author: Robin Wall Kimmerer
Publisher: Oregon State University Press
Date: Mar 1st, 2003
Kimmerer, a bryologist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, blends scientific knowledge and indigenous wisdom to provide a profound and poetic look at the world of mosses.
We Are the Weather: Saving the Planet Begins at Breakfast
Author: Jonathan Safran Foer
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Date: Sep 17th, 2019
Foer examines the impact of animal agriculture on climate change, advocating for dietary changes and collective action to combat environmental degradation.
Hope in the Dark: Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities
Author: Rebecca Solnit
Publisher: Haymarket Books
Date: Mar 15th, 2016
Solnit offers a powerful argument for hope in the face of despair, drawing on historical examples of social change and emphasizing the potential for activism and grassroots movements to create a better future.
A Tale of Two Cities
Author: Charles Dickens
Publisher: Union Square & Co.
Date: Oct 11th, 2022
Charles Dickens' historical novel set before and during the French Revolution contrasts the lives of the poor and the aristocrats, epitomized by the cities of London and Paris, and culminates in a narrative of sacrifice and redemption.
A Widow for One Year: A Novel
Author: John Irving
Publisher: Random House
Date: May 5th, 1998
Irving's novel spans several decades, following the life of Ruth Cole, a complex and multifaceted writer, as she grapples with love, loss, and the intricacies of family relationships.
How to Love Your Daughter: A Novel
Author: Hila Blum
Publisher: Riverhead Books
Date: Jul 18th, 2023
Blum's novel explores the complex, often fraught relationship between a mother and her estranged daughter, delving into themes of love, regret, and the enduring bonds of family.
Olga Dies Dreaming: A Novel
Author: Xochitl Gonzalez
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Date: Jan 4th, 2022
This novel follows Olga and her brother, Pedro "Prieto" Acevedo, as they grapple with their personal ambitions and family secrets in the wake of Hurricane Maria, set against the backdrop of a changing Brooklyn neighborhood.