Dua Lipa’s Love of Reading Goes Back to Childhood. How the Pop Star’s Passion Led to Her Own Book Club

Dua Lipa’s Fascination with Books Since Childhood Leads to the Formation of Her Book Club

Dua Lipa, the renowned pop star, has revealed how her deep-rooted love for reading since childhood has inspired her to establish her own book club. Despite being famous for hit songs like “Dance the Night Away” and “Levitating,” Lipa’s passion for literature traces back to her formative years.

In a recent feature with Harper’s Bazaar, Lipa shared insights into her early reading habits, reminiscing about spending hours immersed in books at a prominent bookshop in London’s O2 Centre on Finchley Road. The singer credited her parents for instilling this passion in her, with her mother often accompanying her to the children’s section where they would spend quality time engrossed in books.

Echoing her family’s influence on her reading journey, Lipa also highlighted the significant impact of her paternal grandfather, a renowned historian in Kosovo. This familial appreciation for books paved the way for Lipa to establish the Service95 Book Club, where she engages with fellow book enthusiasts on a monthly basis.

Lipa’s commitment to promoting literacy was exemplified through her participation in the Booker Prize Foundation’s Books Unlocked program, where she visited a women’s prison in the U.K. The experience deeply resonated with her, particularly a woman who expressed how reading had broadened her understanding of humanity and emotions, suggesting that it could have altered her life’s trajectory had she discovered it sooner.

During the prison book club session, they were delving into Douglas Stuart’s “Shuggie Bain,” coincidentally the inaugural selection for Lipa’s Service95 Book Club. Reflecting on this experience, Lipa emphasised the transformative power of reading in nurturing empathy and connecting individuals on a profound level.

In a bid to revitalise the joy of reading and meaningful discussions surrounding literature, Lipa launched her book club in 2023 through Service95. Her efforts to reignite enthusiasm for libraries and the pleasure of reading books have been widely commended, showcasing her dedication to fostering a culture of literary appreciation.

Acknowledging Lipa’s impactful initiatives, authors like Min Jin Lee, whom Lipa interviewed for her Service95 Podcast, lauded the pop star for leveraging her influence to champion literacy. Lee commended Lipa for her intellectual approach to promoting reading while exuding glamour and inspiration through her platform.

Lipa’s endeavours align with a broader trend of celebrities using their reach to endorse reading, evident in the likes of Dakota Johnson, Natalie Portman, and Reese Witherspoon curating book clubs to share their literary favourites. The convergence of entertainment and literature underscores the enduring appeal of books in fostering empathy, understanding, and connection among diverse audiences.

As readers and fans eagerly await Lipa’s future book club selections and literary insights, her journey stands as a testament to the enduring impact of childhood passions and familial influences on shaping one’s cultural contributions. Through her book club, Lipa continues to inspire individuals to explore diverse narratives, fostering a community united by the love of reading and shared intellectual curiosity.