Julia Quinn, the historical romance novelist best known for her beloved Bridgerton series (opens in new tab), shows Marie Claire her bookshelves, complete with memorabilia from the Bridgerton set and several of her favorite authors, in the latest episode of Shelf Portrait (opens in new tab)—in which celebrities, influencers, and famous bookworms show off their personal libraries.
Quinn begins the video by giving MC a peek at the English and international editions of her Bridgerton series (opens in new tab) that she holds close to her heart, including a signed copy of The Duke and I (opens in new tab). Her bookmark is a scrap of fabric from a gown worn by Nicola Coughlan, a.k.a. Penelope Featherington, and it's signed by Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page (!!).
One of Quinn's favorite books growing up was Jean Brown Wagoner's Louisa Alcott: Girl of Old Boston (opens in new tab). She also loves graphic novels, like George Takei's They Called Us Enemy (opens in new tab), and a good book that makes her laugh, like Kat Su's Crap Taxidermy (opens in new tab). One of her most prized possessions is an autographed copy of the late Congressman John Lewis's March (opens in new tab), and Quinn thinks everyone should have some comics in their book collection, such as George Snider's I Will Judge You by Your Bookshelf (opens in new tab).
Some of Quinn's other top picks include Jenny Lawson's Broken (in the Best Possible Way) (opens in new tab), Douglas Adams's The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (opens in new tab), Steve Kluger's Last Days of Summer (opens in new tab), and, naturally, historical romance novels like Sarah MacLean's Bombshell (opens in new tab) and Julie Anne Long's I'm Only Wicked With You (opens in new tab). She's also a fan of contemporary romance novels such as Sally Thorne's The Hating Game (opens in new tab). Writing clearly runs in the family, as Quinn points out her father was also a writer. She has some of his books (opens in new tab) on her shelves alongside titles that are very special to her.
Watch Quinn's full Shelf Portrait video, above, and then order some of her favorite books for yourself, below. After that, don't forget to grab a copy of Quinn's latest book, The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton: Lady Whistledown's Official Guide (opens in new tab), available on November 9.
-
James Middleton Reveals That Sister Kate Went to Therapy with Him
The third Middleton child, Pippa, also attended therapy to support her brother.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Are Banned from Doing This at Home
It’s a non-negotiable in the Wales’ house.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Diana’s Personal Letters to Friends During Her Divorce Are Being Auctioned for Charity
The 32-letter collection is both “astonishing” and “confidential.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Jo Piazza and Christine Pride Tackle the Complicated Topic of Motherhood in 'You Were Always Mine'
The forthcoming book from 'We Are Not Like Them' authors Jo Piazza and Christine Pride asks the question: Who gets to make the choice to be a mom?
By Danielle McNally
-
#ReadWithMC Reviews 'Mika in Real Life'
"When you are craving a loveable story with depth and true character development—this should be your next read."
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
'Token Black Girl' Is Our October Book Club Pick
Read an excerpt from Danielle Prescod's new memoir, here, then dive in with us throughout the month.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
25 Books by Latinx Authors You Should Read Immediately
Stories so good, you won't need a bookmark.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Join #ReadWithMC: Marie Claire's Virtual Monthly Book Club
Never feel guilty about skipping book club again.
By The Editors
-
'Mika In Real Life' Is Our September Book Club Pick
Read an excerpt from Emiko Jean's new novel, here, then dive in with us throughout the month.
By Jenny Hollander
-
Read an Excerpt From Sarah MacLean's 'Heartbreaker'
The latest entry in MacLean's 'Hell's Belles' universe is a delightfully feminist twist on Regency-era romance romps.
By Sarah MacLean
-
The 32 Best Self-Help Books for Women to Read in 2023
Consider them a form of self-care.
By Rachel Epstein