If you aren’t obsessed with The White Lotus yet, then now is the perfect time to jump on the bandwagon. With season three premiering February 2025, we’re anxiously anticipating a new cast of characters and the hijinks that take place at the most sinister resort chain in television. The past two seasons have given us unforgettable, iconic characters from the star-studded casts which got us think… what books would (or should) they read?

Tanya McQuoid-Hunt (Jennifer Coolidge)

Unshakably iconic, Jennifer Coolidge’s portrayal of Tanya in season one and two is a role that will go down in history. But what book would be on this ultra-wealthy, but heartbreakingly lonely character’s shelf?

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

In this novel about a privileged woman trying to escape her own existence through self-indulgence, our narrator is grappling with her own unhappiness despite seemingly having all the boxes checked. Through a pill-filled year exploring her pain and alienation sad, funny and profound discoveries are made.

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Harper Spiller (Aubrey Plaza)

Aubrey Plaza’s character Harper is wound just a little too tight and her ability to cut loose and have fun is in a constant struggle with her suspicions around her husband’s interactions with their vacation mates.

Writers & Lovers by Lily King

We think Harper would see herself in this novel about ambition, relationships, and self-doubt. Casey has returned to Massachusetts in search of purpose and the desire to live a creative life. As friends marry and enter the next stage of life, Casey clings to the hope that she can still achieve the dreams of her younger years.

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Cameron Sullivan (Theo James)

Theo James’ character, Theo, is a wealthy, arrogant, philandering man whose ego takes center stage in every interaction.

Trust by Herman Diaz

This book about the illusions of wealth and power put a spotlight on the very thing Cameron manipulates with ease. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel centers around Benjamin and Helen Rask, he is a wealthy Wall Street tycoon and she is the daughter of aristocrats. This story intertwines the Rasks and their decadence with a successful novel that asks questions around power, deceit and manipulation.

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Belinda Lindsey (Natasha Rothwell)

In season one, Belinda is the spa manager who draws the attention and admiration of wealthy guest, Tanya. Lending her kind nature to Tanya’s dramatics, she enters what she believes is a future business partnership, but discovers quickly that Tanya is as flighty as her emotions.

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

In this novel about a hardworking woman struggling to balance emotional labor, self-worth, and relationships, we believe Belinda would have a lot in common with Queenie. Queenie is working at a national newspaper trying to manage the complicated culture amongst her white, middle-aged peers. When she and her boyfriend break up, she finds herself stumbling through detrimental decisions on the path to find her own value and sense of belonging.

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Armond (Murray Bartlett)

Armond is one of the most memorable characters so far, acting as the manger of The White Lotus in season one. A stressed and overworked hospitality worker, his grip on professionalism starts to slip as guests try his patience leading to a downward spiral with a disastrous conclusion.

Bright Lights, Big City by Jay McInerney

This classic tale of excess, addiction, and unraveling in a high-pressure world mirror Armond’s tragic downfall. Bright Lights, Big City is the 1980s story that follows a young man as he indulges in drugs, nightlife and all Manhattan has to offer. Eventually, he’s forced to face a reckoning with the life he’s lived and possibly rediscover a different path.

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Jack (Leo Woodall)

Jack is a charming addition to the cast, at first, whose involvement with the sinister Quentin darkens as season two gets on. His dark past mixed with his bright smile creates a treacherous combo for Portia.

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

In this darkly funny thriller about a dangerous yet charismatic man and a woman who must decide whether to protect him or expose him, the dynamic reminds us a lot of Jack and Portia. A pair of sisters are entwined in a twisted relationship, Ayoola’s third boyfriend is dead and Korede is a master at cleaning up messy scenes. Korede’s longtime crush on a doctor turns sour when he asks for Ayoola’s number and Korede must decide where her loyalty lies in this dangerous and deadly situation.

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Portia (Haley Lu Richardson)

Portia plays Tanya’s innocent and naive assistant, accompanying her on a trip to Sicily that isn’t going smoothly. She has a gentle and kind relationship starts with Albie, but after a few nights with Jack, she’s in way over her head.

Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney

Awkward, passive, and drawn to emotionally unavailable men? Yep, this book is a perfect fit for Portia. When a young woman befriends a vibrant 40-something photographer, she’s swept away by her enticing world including her flirtatious husband Nick. When the intimacy with this married man deepens, Frances is upside down in pitfalls of youth and the messiness of female relationships.

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Daphne Sullivan (Meghann Fahy)

Daphne is the beautiful and brash wife of Cameron whose lavish life appears to be all she cares about. As the season progresses, her character deepens, but ultimately she is who she is and doesn’t make a lot of apologies for it.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

This novel about rich, underestimated women who are far more calculating than they let on seems like a cast of characters Daphne would blend in with well. When a member of a wealthy community turns up dead investigators are drawn to get the to the bottom of what happen as they wade through drama and deceit.

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Mark Mossbacher (Steve Zahn)

Mark is your typical middle aged dad. He’s suffering a health scare, marital problems, agitated teens and revelations about his childhood while attempting to enjoy a vacation.

This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper

This novel about a dysfunctional family, a man in crisis, and the awkwardness of male vulnerability is exactly what Mark should be reading on the beach. When Judd’s father passes he goes to sit shiva in the wake of his marriage falling apart. Joining his family while coping with grief on two fronts, the week quickly spins out of control.

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