Penn Badgley, known for his role as Joe Goldberg in the Netflix series “You,” has a deep appreciation for literature. Unlike his character, who misuses books to rationalize sinister acts, Badgley views reading as a source of insight into the world. This outlook was especially crucial during his homeschool years as an aspiring actor. He explores these themes in his recent book, “Crushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age,” co-authored with Sophie Ansari and Nava Kavelin.
Six Life-Changing Books Recommended by Penn Badgley
In connection with the launch of “Crushmore,” Badgley shared six influential books that have shaped his life and writing style.
1. Thief of Always by Clive Barker
- Read at the age of nine or ten.
- Introduces themes of mystery, awe, and horror for children.
- Left a lasting impression of strangeness and intensity.
2. Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson
- Considered Badgley’s first formative literary experience.
- Offers literate humor that is clever and subtle.
- Recently revisited with his five-year-old son.
Badgley emphasizes the importance of these literary works in shaping his understanding of storytelling and character development. Their influence extends beyond mere entertainment, offering profound insights into life’s complexities.
