In a recent episode of Bustle’s “One Nightstand” series, actress and filmmaker Elizabeth Banks shared her personal literary preferences, showcasing a captivating selection of books that have inspired her throughout her life. The discussion, which aired on 14 April 2025, featured Banks engaging with Bustle editor-in-chief Charlotte Owen about her journey as a reader, from her childhood to the present day.
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Banks, 52, is currently starring in the Peacock series “The Miniature Wife,” and her choice of literature reflects a blend of classic and contemporary works. Among her recommendations is “Nine Stories” by J.D. Salinger, a collection of short stories that resonate deeply with her experiences as a mother. The actress expressed particular fondness for Salinger’s iconic character, Holden Caulfield, highlighting how her son’s recent enjoyment of “The Catcher in the Rye” rekindled her appreciation for Salinger’s work.
“I love Holden Caulfield and I loved that story,” she remarked, recalling the character’s adventures in New York City. Banks went on to describe how her children can relate to Holden’s experiences, stating, “They love coming to New York… going to Central Park and seeing the places where Holden Caulfield was.” She further elaborated on the impact of Salinger’s narrative voice, emphasising its significance within the context of American literature.
Another book that captivated Banks is Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road,” a heartrending post-apocalyptic exploration of a father-son relationship in a devastated America. The novel, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2007, left a profound impression on Banks. She commented on the emotional weight of the father’s struggle to be a caring parent amidst the desolation, stating, “I’ve never cried harder… The Road took my breath away.”
In her selection, Banks also highlighted “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead, a Pulitzer Prize-winning narrative that presents a reimagined version of the historical underground railroad through the experiences of Cora, an enslaved woman. Banks articulated her admiration for the blend of fantastical elements and stark realities in Whitehead’s writing, explaining how the themes of resilience, humanity, and dignity are effectively woven together. “You’re learning so much. It’s fictionalised but also there’s obviously so much reality in what he’s talking about,” she said.
Finally, Banks turned her attention to “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant, a modern interpretation of the Biblical tale of Dinah. With her background in both Catholicism and Judaism, Banks reflected on the significance of female representation in religious narratives, remarking that reading this book was a rare opportunity to see women centred in a story often overshadowed by male perspectives.
In reflecting on her upbringing, Banks reminisced about a childhood steeped in literature, remembering how she devoured novels like “Island of the Blue Dolphins” by Scott O’Dell. She noted the absence of modern distractions, such as e-readers and smartphones, which allowed her to fully immerse herself in the books at hand. “I played a lot of games and a lot of board games and I did a lot of puzzles and I read a lot,” she shared, indicating that her passion for reading has seamlessly transitioned into her adult life.
Banks’s thoughtful selections reveal not only her literary taste but also the profound connections between her readings and life experiences. This blend of classic and modern works illustrates the enduring power of storytelling and its capacity to influence and inspire through generations.
As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that Banks’s reflections on literature resonate with many, highlighting the timeless nature of books and their role in shaping our understanding of the world. Her recommendations serve as an invitation for others to explore these significant works and to find their own connections within the pages of a good book.
For readers looking to dive into evocative narratives that explore the depths of human experience, Elizabeth Banks’s selections offer an excellent starting point, demonstrating the lasting impact of literature on both personal and collective journeys.