British actor and Hollywood hottie Robert Pattinson is one of the most daring and respected actors of his generation. From Twilight to his newest film, Die, My Love, he has had a long, rich career. Since he got his start in a screen adaptation of a novel, we trust his taste in books. Here are his top 5.
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
Money by Martin Amis
This 1984 novel satirizes excess, consumerism, and the moral emptiness that comes along with it in Western society. The main character experiences moral self-destruction driven by addiction to money and pleasure.
John Self is our deeply flawed narrator who works in advertising and film. He travels between London and New York, spending recklessly on alcohol, junk food, and more while trying to get a movie made. Though he believes that money can buy happiness, this novel shows how shallow that belief is.
Pattinson loves this book and has said that he would love to portray the main character in a movie or tv adaptation one day.
The Ballad of the Sad Cafe by Carson McCullers
This is a short story that explores loneliness, love, power, and isolation. Centered on Miss Amelia Evans, a store and café owner in a small, rural Georgia town. Initially emotionally guarded, she lets an estranged relative into her life.
With themes of unrequited love, loneliness, power, and outcast-ness, this story is a great read that examines how love is not always comforting – it can be cruel.
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Eat the Rich by P.J. O’Rourke
This nonfiction book explains economics using humor, rather than equations. The author sets out to answer why some countries are rich and some are poor. Through world travel, he observes the economic systems of various countries.
This book is a great introduction to economics literature. It gives a unique perspective on how politics and economics affect real lives.
Kill Your Friends by John Niven
This dark comedic novel satirizes the music industry, fame, and ruthless ambition. Set in London in the late 1990’s, this novel is narrated by a record label executive who will do anything to stay on top. Steven Stelfox becomes increasingly desperate to keep his job, status, and power.
He displays toxic masculinity, corruption, and bravado, all while feeling extremely emotionally hollow. This story has an unreliable narrator with a fast, aggressive storytelling style.
Given that Robert Pattinson is famous in the film industry, it makes sense that he would like this book and find it to be representative of real life.
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New Moon by Stephanie Meyer
Pattinson’s most well-known role is probably the heartthrob vampire, Edward Cullen. From the hit book and movie trilogy, Twilight, this character is brooding, old-fashioned, and extremely protective of Bella. The Twilight series follows Bella as she moves to Forks, Washington, with her father, struggles with a love triangle, and becomes a vampire.
Of course, Pattinson read the books to prepare for his role, and he said that his favorite was the second book in the series, New Moon. Major plot points in this book include Edward leaving Bella out of fear of hurting her and devastating her as she grows closer to her friend Jacob. Bella learns about the existence of werewolves and has to save Edward from sacrificing himself.
