Since stealing hearts as Shane Hollander in Heated Rivalry, Hudson Williams has also earned a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most unexpectedly literary rising stars. The actor frequently shares what he’s reading on Instagram, and a recent roundup from Variety gave fans an even closer look at the books currently stacked on his shelves. From cult literary classics and contemporary fiction to philosophy, psychology, and Joan Didion essays, Williams’ recommendations reveal a reader drawn to introspective stories, complex characters, and books that linger long after the final page.

Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

Haunted by grief and searching for meaning, a young Iranian American poet becomes consumed with the idea of martyrdom and what it means to live a purposeful life. His journey leads him through questions of faith, addiction, family, and identity as he confronts both his past and his future. Blending humor with emotional depth, the novel explores how people find hope in the aftermath of loss.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon

Stoner by John Williams

A quiet farm boy leaves behind the life he expected to study literature, eventually becoming a university professor. Though his life is marked by personal disappointments, an unhappy marriage, and professional setbacks, he finds enduring purpose in his love of learning. This understated classic is a moving meditation on ambition, resilience, and the quiet beauty of an ordinary life.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon

Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion

Set against the backdrop of Hollywood and the California desert, this novel follows a woman whose glamorous life masks profound loneliness and emotional isolation. As she drifts through fractured relationships and personal crises, she struggles to find meaning in a world that often feels empty. Sparse yet powerful, the novel has become one of Joan Didion’s defining works.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon

Didion & Babitz by Lili Anolik

This nonfiction book explores the fascinating friendship and rivalry between literary icons Joan Didion and Eve Babitz, two women who captured different sides of Los Angeles culture. Through interviews, letters, and archival material, it examines their careers, personal lives, and lasting influence on American literature. It’s an insightful portrait of two unforgettable voices.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon

Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion

This celebrated essay collection examines American culture during the 1960s, exploring everything from politics and celebrity to the counterculture movement in California. Through keen observation and elegant prose, Didion captures a nation in transition while questioning the stories people tell themselves about identity and belonging. The result is a timeless portrait of a changing America.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon

One, No One and One Hundred Thousand by Luigi Pirandello

After a seemingly insignificant comment from his wife, a man begins questioning everything he believes about his identity. As he realizes that every person sees him differently, his search for truth slowly unravels his understanding of himself and the world around him. This philosophical classic explores perception, individuality, and the many versions of ourselves that exist in others’ minds.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

Set in nineteenth-century France, this sweeping classic follows the life of an ex-convict determined to build a better future while being relentlessly pursued by the law. Along the way, his story becomes intertwined with revolutionaries, struggling families, and individuals searching for justice and redemption. Rich with unforgettable characters, it remains one of literature’s greatest explorations of compassion and sacrifice.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon

It Lasts Forever and Then It’s Over by Anne de Marcken

After waking up as a zombie with only fragments of her memory intact, a woman wanders through a dreamlike world in search of the life she once knew. As she pieces together her identity, the novel becomes less about horror and more about grief, love, and what remains after everything familiar has disappeared. It’s an unconventional meditation on memory and human connection.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon

Sex and Rage by Eve Babitz

Set in the sun-soaked world of Southern California, this coming-of-age novel follows a young woman navigating love, freedom, and self-discovery during the cultural upheavals of the 1970s. Balancing wit with vulnerability, it captures the excitement and uncertainty of growing into adulthood. Babitz’s signature voice brings warmth, humor, and sharp social observations to every page.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon

Slow Days, Fast Company by Eve Babitz

Part memoir, part essay collection, this book offers a vibrant portrait of 1960s and 1970s Los Angeles through stories of artists, musicians, parties, and everyday life. With humor and effortless charm, Babitz reflects on the city’s glamour while celebrating the people who made it unforgettable. It’s a love letter to California and the creative spirit that defined an era.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon

My Struggle: Book 1 by Karl Ove Knausgård

In the opening installment of his autobiographical series, the author reflects on childhood, family, fatherhood, and the ordinary moments that shape a life. Blending memoir with philosophical reflection, the novel transforms everyday experiences into an intimate exploration of memory and identity. Its remarkable honesty has made it one of the most influential literary works of the twenty-first century.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon

The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller

This influential work of psychology examines how childhood experiences shape emotional well-being throughout adulthood. Drawing on case studies and psychological theory, it explores the long-term effects of unmet emotional needs and encourages readers to better understand themselves and their relationships. It remains a widely discussed resource for those interested in personal growth and healing.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon

King, Warrior, Magician, Lover by Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette

This psychology classic explores four archetypes that the authors argue represent healthy masculine development. Using mythology, psychology, and cultural analysis, it examines how these patterns influence identity, relationships, and personal growth. The book has become a foundational text in discussions of archetypes and modern masculinity.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon