I don’t know about you, but one vacation must-have for me is a good book.
Whether it’s a quiet read by the beach or a chapter or two before bed, stories have a way of grounding you even in the most unfamiliar settings. Turns out, the characters of “The White Lotus” are just the same. Beneath the luxury and tension, many of them are searching for meaning, identity, and escape. And the Season 3 White Lotus Book Club picks reflects just that.
If you’re like me and still processing all the craziness of Season 3, this reading list might help ease the emotional hangover. It’s a thoughtful mix of fiction, poetry, memoir, and reflection that echoes the show’s deeper themes in unexpected ways.
What’s even more fascinating is how each character’s book choice ends up being a mirror of who they are, what they’re running from, or even where they’re headed. Whether intentional or ironic, the book choices say a lot, sometimes more than the characters do themselves.
Here’s a closer look at what’s on the shelf:
“Hunger” by Knut Hamsun
A raw and introspective novel, “Hunger” is a stark psychological portrait of a writer teetering on the edge—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It explores themes of alienation, obsession, and existential despair, mirroring the slow unraveling we often see in White Lotus guests who arrive with good intentions and leave with more questions than answers.
Lochlan is spotted reading it poolside in Episode 4, and while it’s a bold pick for a high school senior on vacation, it actually makes a lot of sense. The book’s exploration of inner conflict and fractured self-image matches the identity crisis or emotional push and pull Lochlan seems to be struggling with beneath his quiet exterior.
“The Beautiful and Damned” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald’s story of love, money, and slow-burning self-destruction feels right at home in the “White Lotus” universe. In Season 3, Parker Posey’s character is seen reading it and it’s a pretty fitting choice. The novel explores themes of privilege and excess, which mirror her status-obsessed, pill-popping character who seems completely unaware that her husband is quietly falling apart. Glamorous on the outside, messy underneath, much like the book itself.
“Surrounded by Narcissists” by Thomas Erikson
Not exactly a breezy beach read, but definitely a smart choice if you’re surrounded by people who love the sound of their own voice. Belinda is spotted reading this and honestly, it suits her. She’s one of the few characters who seems genuinely aware of the social dynamics at play and understands where she fits in the bigger picture.
While others float through their privilege, Belinda reads the room (and the people in it) with clarity. A guide to managing narcissists? For her, it’s less leisure reading, more for survival.
“The Essential Rumi” translated by Coleman Barks
Amid all the tension and carefully curated façades, Rumi’s poetry feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s reflective and soulful, and speaks to a longing for connection—things we already sense in Chelsea.
Her choice to bring this book isn’t all that surprising; we know she leans into romance and sentiment. But it does suggest there’s more to her than just composure and calm. Whether she’s drawn to Rumi for spiritual insight or simply the beauty of the words, it gives us a glimpse of someone quietly holding space for tenderness, wonder, and maybe a bit of hope.
“Modern Lovers” by Emma Straub
A smart, warm, and sharply observed novel about aging millennials, shifting relationships, and the push-pull of growing up without really feeling grown. Laurie is seen reading this, and it’s a fitting choice. The story follows three longtime friends as they navigate parenthood, marriage, ambition, and identity, much like Laurie herself.
She’s dealing with the stress of her home life, balancing a high-pressure job, and figuring out the dynamics of female friendship. “Modern Lovers” feels less like a beach read and more like a mirror to her current state of mind.
“My Name Is Barbra” by Barbra Streisand
More than just a celebrity memoir, Streisand’s autobiography is a sweeping account of her journey from humble beginnings to global icon powered by talent, ambition, and an uncompromising vision.
Jaclyn is seen reading it, and it’s a telling choice. Streisand’s story is one of relentless drive, creative control, and constant self-reinvention qualities Jaclyn most likely admires or sees in her own path. Whether she’s looking for inspiration or simply drawn to stories of women who carve their own lane, this book lines up with her bold, image-conscious energy.
“When Things Fall Apart” by Pema Chödrön
Quietly powerful and deeply reflective, this book by Buddhist nun Pema Chödrön offers “heart advice for difficult times” touching on themes of letting go, sitting with discomfort, and finding peace amid chaos.
For a show steeped in ego and drama, it’s a surprisingly sincere pick. Saxon is seen with it in hand, and it suggests he’s doing some inner work. That talk with Chelsea touched him, I guess. Something about it clearly stirred something deeper. And if that long, heartbroken glance he gives her as she runs into Rick’s arms is any clue, the book’s message didn’t just resonate, it stuck. It’s about surrender, acceptance, and moving forward. Something Saxon seems to be slowly figuring out.
