Book cover of This Is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch: The Joy of Loving Something—Anything—Like Your Life Depends On It

Book description

A hilarious, heartfelt memoir about one woman's midlife obsession with Benedict Cumberbatch, and the liberating power of reclaiming our passions as we age, whatever they may be.

Tabitha Carvan was a new mother, at home with two young children, when she fell for the actor Benedict Cumberbatch. You know the…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked This Is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Rarely have I felt as seen and understood by a book as by this one. I recommend it to anyone who’s ever had a celebrity crush or any kind of pop culture obsession that people around them struggle to understand.

It’s wry, insightful, and candid. Reading it feels like chatting with a smart and funny friend who encourages you to see your passions as just as valid as anyone else’sand to embrace joy.

From Claire's list on celebrity crushes.

It's a wonderful book, eminently readable and very, very important. Everybody should read it!

Carvan uses her obsession with Benedict Cumberbatch as a starting point, but she takes the reader along as she discovers the importance of play—of any activity that has no other purpose than bringing one pleasure. She also makes a convincing case for how institutional sexism has forced girls to give up play in order to become wives and mothers, while “boys must be boys.”

I particularly liked that she shared every step of her journey, rather than presenting her conclusions as fact. And wait ‘til you…

If you love This Is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like This Is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like This Is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch.

Browse books like This Is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch

Book cover of The Idea of You
Book cover of He Will Be Mine
Book cover of The Bodyguard

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,277

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like This Is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch, you might also like...

Book cover of My Book Boyfriend

My Book Boyfriend by Kathy Strobos,

Lily loves her community garden. Rupert wants to bulldoze it. When feelings grow, will they blossom or turn to rubble?

"It literally had everything! - Bookworm Characters - Humor - Banter - Swoon-worthy lines."  - Book Reviewer.

Book cover of Everyday Medical Miracles: True Stories from the Frontlines in Women’s Health Care

Everyday Medical Miracles by Joseph S. Sanfilippo (editor),

Frontiers of Women from the healthcare perspective. A compilation of 60 true short stories written by an extensive array of healthcare providers, physicians, and advanced practice providers.

All designed to give you, the reader, a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of all of us who provide your health care. Come…

5 book lists we think you will like!