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Emily Blunt may be known for her iconic on-screen roles, but a recent appearance on BookTok creator Jack Edwards’ Required Reading interview series gave readers a glimpse into her off-screen reading life. From literary classics to emotionally rich contemporary fiction, Blunt shared a small but thoughtful list of books that have recently captivated her. If you’re looking to read like Emily Blunt, these recommendations offer a mix of beautiful prose, memorable characters, and stories that linger long after the final page.

Still Life by Sarah Winman

Beginning in post-World War II Italy, this sweeping story follows a group of unlikely friends whose lives remain intertwined across decades and continents. Through moments of love, grief, humor, and reinvention, the novel explores the families we create for ourselves and the ways art, friendship, and kindness can transform a life. Richly character-driven, it is ultimately a celebration of human connection and second chances.

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Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

Set in a small Irish town during the weeks leading up to Christmas, this quiet but powerful story follows a coal merchant who uncovers a troubling secret hidden in plain sight. As he wrestles with what he has discovered, he must decide whether to protect his own peace or challenge the injustices around him. The result is a moving exploration of morality, courage, and the impact of seemingly small acts of kindness.

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Walk the Blue Fields by Claire Keegan

This short story collection examines the complexities of life in rural Ireland through a series of intimate portraits. Each story explores themes of love, loneliness, family, and longing, capturing the quiet moments that often shape a person’s life. With emotional depth and understated prose, the collection reveals the extraordinary within the ordinary.

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Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Born into poverty in Appalachia, a resilient young boy navigates an unstable childhood marked by loss, addiction, and systemic inequality. Despite countless obstacles, he refuses to surrender his sense of humor, determination, and hope for a better future. This modern reimagining of a classic coming-of-age story offers a powerful portrait of survival and perseverance.

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The Pretender by Jo Harkin

Set in Tudor England, this historical novel follows a young man who may or may not be the rightful heir to the English throne. Pulled into a dangerous world of political intrigue, shifting loyalties, and royal ambition, he must determine who he can trust while fighting to uncover the truth about his identity.

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The Names by Florence Knapp

Beginning with a single choice made by new parents, this novel explores three alternate versions of one family’s future. As their lives unfold in dramatically different ways, the story examines how identity and circumstance shape who we become.

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To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Told through the eyes of a young girl growing up in the American South, this classic novel follows her father’s defense of a Black man falsely accused of a crime. As she witnesses prejudice, injustice, and acts of extraordinary compassion, she begins to understand the complexities of her community and the importance of standing up for what is right.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon