Here are 100 books that This Is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch fans have personally recommended if you like This Is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Idea of You

Claire Handscombe Author Of Unscripted

From my list on celebrity crushes.

Why am I passionate about this?

There’s something deeply alluring about the glamour of fame, even if it’s not all as shiny when you look closer. My first celebrity crush was on Jason Donovan—I’m guessing that some of my fellow British Gen Xers might relate! In my arguably more mature 30s, I developed an interest in a show slightly more critically acclaimed than the Australian soap Jason had come to prominence in, and it ended up changing my life in ways I could never have predicted. I’m a passionate person, and those passions have shaped me, which I think is why I love tales of celebrity crushes.

Claire's book list on celebrity crushes

Claire Handscombe Why Claire loves this book

This novel utterly gripped me, and when I finished it, I wrote an eight-word review: “I think this book might actually be perfect.” It’s got everything I could ever want in a story: beautiful writing, sizzling scenes, glamorous locations, and an emotionally resonant exploration of themes like age, fame, and motherhood, as well as, of course, love.

I’ve long since lost count of the number of times I’ve recommended it to people who are looking for a book they won’t be able to put down.

By Robinne Lee ,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked The Idea of You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When Solene Marchand, the thirty-nine-year-old owner of a prestigious art gallery in Los Angeles, takes her daughter, Isabelle, to meet her favourite boy band, she does so reluctantly and at her ex-husband's request. The last thing she expects is to make a connection with one of the members of the world-famous August Moon. But Hayes Campbell is clever, winning, confident, and posh, and the attraction is immediate. That he is all of twenty years old further complicates things. What begins as a series of clandestine trysts quickly evolves into a passionate relationship. It is a journey that spans continents as…


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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…

Book cover of He Will Be Mine

Claire Handscombe Author Of Unscripted

From my list on celebrity crushes.

Why am I passionate about this?

There’s something deeply alluring about the glamour of fame, even if it’s not all as shiny when you look closer. My first celebrity crush was on Jason Donovan—I’m guessing that some of my fellow British Gen Xers might relate! In my arguably more mature 30s, I developed an interest in a show slightly more critically acclaimed than the Australian soap Jason had come to prominence in, and it ended up changing my life in ways I could never have predicted. I’m a passionate person, and those passions have shaped me, which I think is why I love tales of celebrity crushes.

Claire's book list on celebrity crushes

Claire Handscombe Why Claire loves this book

Friends have often told me that they admire how hard I go after my dreams, and maybe that’s why I found this book so gripping and cathartic, and loved the main character, Nora, who will stop at nothing to meet her celebrity crush, with whom she’s determined she has a future. She knows this plan might be crazy; she knows it might not even be rooted in the healthiest instincts; and yet she also knows that there might be something real behind it. 

If you’ve ever been part of an online fandom, have a friend you think might be taking their obsessions a little bit far, or just love a touching, funny, well written British rom com, don’t miss this one!

By Kirsty Greenwood ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked He Will Be Mine as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The brand new standalone romantic comedy from the bestselling author of Big Sexy LoveNora Tucker is an admin assistant from a tiny English village. Gary Montgomery is Hollywood’s hottest new star.After seeing him on the silver screen, Nora believes that Gary is her soulmate, her one true love, the man she's supposed to grow old and wrinkly with. She knows it sounds nuts, she knows it’s completely crazy. But sometimes love is crazy, right?Only... how on earth is this Plain Jane introvert supposed to get to Los Angeles, infiltrate Gary’s inner circle AND convince him that they’re meant to be?…


Book cover of The Bodyguard

Claire Handscombe Author Of Unscripted

From my list on celebrity crushes.

Why am I passionate about this?

There’s something deeply alluring about the glamour of fame, even if it’s not all as shiny when you look closer. My first celebrity crush was on Jason Donovan—I’m guessing that some of my fellow British Gen Xers might relate! In my arguably more mature 30s, I developed an interest in a show slightly more critically acclaimed than the Australian soap Jason had come to prominence in, and it ended up changing my life in ways I could never have predicted. I’m a passionate person, and those passions have shaped me, which I think is why I love tales of celebrity crushes.

Claire's book list on celebrity crushes

Claire Handscombe Why Claire loves this book

Katherine Center has been a favourite of mine since I read What You Wish For. Her writing is gorgeous, with a great rhythm and use of language. It’s also emotionally intelligent and infuses what can be the harsh realities of life with deep hope.

So, I was delighted to see she’d written about a theme I love so much, and I wasn’t disappointed! 

By Katherine Center ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Bodyguard as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

She's got his back.
Hannah Brooks looks more like a kindgerten teacher than somebody who could kill you with a wine bottle opener. Or a ballpoint pen. Or a dinner napkin. But the truth is, she's an Executive Protection Agent (aka "bodyguard"), and she just got hired to protect superstar actor Jack Stapleton from his middle-aged, corgi-breeding stalker.
He's got her heart.
Jack Stapleton's a household name-captured by paparazzi on beaches the world over, famous for, among other things, rising out of the waves in all manner of clingy board shorts and glistening like a Roman deity. But a few…


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Book cover of Trusting Her Duke

Trusting Her Duke by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke with rigid opinions, a Lady whose beliefs conflict with his, a long disputed parcel of land, a conniving neighbour, a desperate collaboration, a failure of trust, a love found despite it all.

Alexander Cavendish, Duke of Ravensworth, returned from war to find that his father and brother had…

Book cover of CRUSH: Writers Reflect on Love, Longing, and the Lasting Power of Their First Celebrity Crush

Claire Handscombe Author Of Unscripted

From my list on celebrity crushes.

Why am I passionate about this?

There’s something deeply alluring about the glamour of fame, even if it’s not all as shiny when you look closer. My first celebrity crush was on Jason Donovan—I’m guessing that some of my fellow British Gen Xers might relate! In my arguably more mature 30s, I developed an interest in a show slightly more critically acclaimed than the Australian soap Jason had come to prominence in, and it ended up changing my life in ways I could never have predicted. I’m a passionate person, and those passions have shaped me, which I think is why I love tales of celebrity crushes.

Claire's book list on celebrity crushes

Claire Handscombe Why Claire loves this book

I was privileged to study creative writing with the late great Richard McCann, who contributed a moving essay to this anthology.

Authors as varied as Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, and Roxane Gay reflect on the impact of how their first celebrity crush shaped them in a collection that will likely have you laughing, crying, and nodding your head in recognition as you look back to your own youth. 

By Cathy Alter , Dave Singleton ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked CRUSH as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

As seen in Cosmopolitan, Elle, O the Oprah Magazine, Redbook, InTouch, People, BUST, on Vogue.com and Harper's Bazaar Online. An Amazon Best Book of the Month in Humor & Entertainment A star-studded collection of essays from acclaimed and bestselling authors and celebrities that illuminates the lasting power of desire and longing, and celebrates our initiation into the euphoria, pain, and mystery that is our first celebrity crush. You never forget your first crush ...CRUSH brings together stories of heartbreak, humiliation, and hilarity from a roster of popular luminaries, including James Franco, Stephen King, Roxane Gay, Jodi Picoult, Emily Gould, and…


Book cover of Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age

Rebecca Beattie Author Of The Wheel of the Year: Your Rejuvenating Guide to Connecting with Nature's Seasons and Cycles

From my list on to reconnect you to nature.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a practicing pagan, and nature writer, I write books about how to reconnect to nature, how to rediscover and connect to your inner self, and your sense of spirituality. I grew up in the wilds of a large national park (Dartmoor) and have found that this colours and shapes everything I do. I spent thirty years living and working in London, and missed Dartmoor every day I was away. Whilst living in the city I had to learn ways to connect to nature, which is how I discovered my spiritual path. I was lucky enough to stage an escape and return home at forty-seven, and have been writing about it ever since.

Rebecca's book list on to reconnect you to nature

Rebecca Beattie Why Rebecca loves this book

I loved this book as it follows the author’s quest to reconnect with nature and rediscover a sense of enchantment following the challenges of the COVID lockdowns.

Split into the four elements – earth, air, fire, and water – the author describes her explorations of each element in her life and how if leads her back to herself. I love the book as it enabled me to see nature through the author’s eyes, and with a perspective that is in some ways almost entirely different to my own, and in others, in harmony with my own thoughts and feelings. It was indeed an enchanting read.

By Katherine May ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Enchantment as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

'It will do your soul good to read this.' NIGELLA LAWSON

A balm for our times from the internationally bestselling author of Wintering.

Our sense of enchantment is not only sparked by grand things. The awe-inspiring, the numinous, is all around us, all the time. It is transformed by our deliberate attention. The magic is of our own conjuring.

'A total joy . . . Thoughtful, patient and beautifully written, like walking with a friend as dusk settles, this is the book your soul needs right now.'
CARIAD LLOYD

'Beautifully written.'
PHILIPPA PERRY

Feeling bone-tired, anxious…


Book cover of The Self-Love Experiment: Fifteen Principles for Becoming More Kind, Compassionate, and Accepting of Yourself

Ruby Dhal Author Of Dear Self

From my list on if you want to learn how to love yourself.

Why am I passionate about this?

I embarked on my very first healing journey at the age of 4, after I lost my mother. Through the years, I wanted nothing more than to live a happy life. It wasn’t until the age of 21 that I understood the reason for my pain and discomfort –the lack of love that I had for myself. I started writing about my emotions and sharing these pieces on an online blog. Within a few months, my page grew tremendously. I realised then that we’re all on various healing journeys, and most of us struggle with self-love, even if we look like we’ve got it ‘figured out’ – we still struggle. 

Ruby's book list on if you want to learn how to love yourself

Ruby Dhal Why Ruby loves this book

I really enjoyed reading Shannon’s book! There were some really useful tools in this one and although Shannon’s self-love journey stemmed from her insecurity in relation to her weight, it is still very applicable to other self-love journeys. The principles that Shannon mentions at the start of her book are life savers, and she is a true beacon of light for those who are struggling with their self-worth. Shannon demonstrates, through her book and her own experiences that changing the way you think about yourself is the key to journeying towards true joy and contentment. 

By Shannon Kaiser ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Self-Love Experiment as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Put a stop to self-sabotage and overcome your fears so that you can gain the confidence you need to reach your goals and become your own best friend.

Too many people seem to believe that they are not allowed to put themselves first or go after their own dreams out of fear of being selfish or sacrificing others' needs. The Self-Love Experiment rectifies this problem. Whether you want to achieve weight loss, land your dream job, find your soul mate, or get out of debt, it all comes back to self-love and accepting yourself first. Shannon Kaiser learned the secrets…


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Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

Book cover of Authentically, Uniquely You: Living Free from Comparison and the Need to Please

Ashley DeMarcos Author Of Jesus Loves ALL of Us.: 100 Days of Divine Acceptance, Unconditional Love and Superabounding Grace for Everyone within the Body of Christ

From my list on Christians that teach unconditional inclusivity.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a child of God, an heir to the throne through Jesus Christ, and a living testimony to the great I Am. I have 4 children who keep me young. I have been with my spouse for 20 years (married for 10). I run a Facebook page called “Jesus Loves All of Us,” where I share daily devotionals. I opened a publishing company called Stewardship Press a few years ago, which is linked to this page. I have written over 20 books, journals, coloring books, and devotionals, most of which are Christ-centered. The others that do not have Christian content are still morally and ethically upstanding secular content.

Ashley's book list on Christians that teach unconditional inclusivity

Ashley DeMarcos Why Ashley loves this book

Each page of this book resonated with me for its powerful message. Joyce let me know without a doubt that I am not just another face in the crowd; I’m uniquely crafted with purpose.

What really struck a chord with me was her emphasis on embracing your individuality. In a world that tries to mold us into something we're not, this book is a gentle reminder that God made each of us with distinct gifts and talents. It's not about fitting into a certain mold; it's about fully embracing who I am and allowing God to work through my strengths and weaknesses. 

The book is easy to understand, straight to the point, and packed with wisdom that hits home. Joyce is also darn funny.

By Joyce Meyer ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Authentically, Uniquely You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover your unique gifts and dare to be different with this companion study guide from #1 New York Times bestselling author and renowned Bible teacher, Joyce Meyer.

God has given you gifts so you can fulfill His purpose for your life, but if you're like a lot of people, you may not have recognized your talents yet. Start asking God to show you something special about the way He's made you. To some people, He's given a very tender, compassionate heart, and some He has wired to lead others effectively. Others, He has given a gift of being able to…


Book cover of The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck: How to Stop Spending Time You Don't Have with People You Don't Like Doing Things You Don't Want to Do

Liz O'Riordan Author Of Under the Knife: Life Lessons from the Operating Theatre

From my list on to help you cope when life throws you a curve-ball.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a breast surgeon who’s had breast cancer three times, I’ve had my share of knocks along the way. A friend once asked me to speak to her nursing colleagues about how I had coped, and I immediately thought of my books. The ones I read on repeat at night to get me through the weekly wobbles. To remind me to have fun and that life is for living. They’re not too serious, some of them have a lot of swearing (sorry Dad), and everyone I’ve leant them to has thanked me for knowing exactly what was going on inside their head. I hope they do the same for you.

Liz's book list on to help you cope when life throws you a curve-ball

Liz O'Riordan Why Liz loves this book

I’m a people-pleaser. I can’t say ‘No’ to anyone and in the past it has destroyed me.

This book reminds us all that we only have a limited amount of time, energy, and money and we should only spend them on things that make us happy and don’t annoy us. We need to stop caring what other people think. We can’t make everyone like us but we can make them respect us, and there is a way to get off going to your great uncle’s 90th birthday without being rude.

Trust me – this book will change your life.   

By Sarah Knight ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Genius' Cosmopolitan

'The best book I have read recently . . . Absolutely blinding. Read it. Do it.' Daily Mail

The bestselling book everyone is talking about - our favourite anti-guru Sarah Knight reveals the surprising art of caring less and getting more.

Are you stressed out, overbooked and underwhelmed by life? Fed up with pleasing everyone else before you please yourself? Then it's time to stop giving a f**k.

This irreverent and practical book explains how to rid yourself of unwanted obligations, shame, and guilt - and give your f**ks instead to people and things that make you happy.…


Book cover of The Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better (and Other People's Lives Better, Too)

Mel Jolly Author Of Becoming Future You

From my list on becoming a better you in the new year.

Why am I passionate about this?

In 2014 I finally came to the realization that I had become the most negative person I knew. I couldn't stand being that whiney, unhappy person anymore. So even though I didn't know how I was going to do it, I made a no-turning-back decision to kill off Negative Past Mel and become Positive Future Mel. The first step in my how was a book that taught me how to create a morning routine. That book saved me and set me on a path of personal growth and development and helped me take my first steps forward to becoming a version of Future Mel I actually enjoy being!

Mel's book list on becoming a better you in the new year

Mel Jolly Why Mel loves this book

As far as books that help you understand yourself go, this one is at the top of my list! I never understood why I was so resistant to the pressure of others, why accountability buddies didn’t work for me (even though they worked so well for other people), and why my husband was always so insistent about following the rules! Understanding that my superpower is asking great questions is what ultimately led me to coaching and writing my own book. I promise knowing more about how you respond to expectations will help you in so many ways.

By Gretchen Rubin ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Four Tendencies as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

OBLIGER? REBEL? QUESTIONER? UPHOLDER? Which one are you?

Everyone falls into 1 of 4 personality types and knowing yours could make you happier and more successful. During her investigation to understand human nature, explored most recently in her bestselling Better Than Before, Gretchen Rubin realised that by asking the seemingly dry question 'How do I respond to expectations?' we gain life changing self-knowledge.

She discovered that based on their answer, people fit into Four Tendencies: Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels. Our Tendency shapes every aspect of our behaviour, so using this framework allows us to…


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Book cover of Old Man Country

Old Man Country by Thomas R. Cole,

This book follows the journey of a writer in search of wisdom as he narrates encounters with 12 distinguished American men over 80, including Paul Volcker, the former head of the Federal Reserve, and Denton Cooley, the world’s most famous heart surgeon.

In these and other intimate conversations, the book…

Book cover of You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth

Abiola Abrams Author Of From Imagination to Reality: Secret Manifestation Lessons and the Law of Assumption from Abdullah, Master Alchemist

From my list on manifesting (from a spiritual teacher).

Why am I passionate about this?

As a mom to a toddler, I’m passionate about teaching the power of manifesting and self-agency so she grows up knowing she can shape her own world. Growing up in New York City with roots in Guyana, South America, I’ve always been drawn to the magic of manifesting and ancestral rituals. I’ve seen firsthand how these practices can change lives, both through my own journey and by working with incredible people worldwide as a retreat leader. I’m deeply connected to the teachings of manifesting masters like Abdullah, and I love sharing this wisdom with others to help them step into their power and create their own realities.

Abiola's book list on manifesting (from a spiritual teacher)

Abiola Abrams Why Abiola loves this book

At first, reading this book felt like Jen Sincero was reading me! I had the pleasure of interviewing her a few years ago, and she was just as funny and bold in person as she is in the book. Her no-nonsense approach to financial abundance is delightfully triggering.

This book helped me tackle my own financial blocks and embrace a mindset of wealth and prosperity. Jen Sincero doesn’t sugarcoat anything. Her tough-love advice felt like a much-needed wake-up reminder of what I already knew but hadn’t fully acted on.

My favorite thing is her relatable stories and in-your-face guidance. Her writing cuts through the fluff and makes complex money mindset concepts feel totally doable.

By Jen Sincero ,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked You Are a Badass at Making Money as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the author of You Are A Badass, the New Your Times bestselling book everyone is talking about.

YOU ARE A BADASS AT MAKING MONEY is the book you need if you've spent too much time watching money land in your bank account and then roll through your fingers. Jen Sincero went from living in a converted garage to traveling the world in 5-star luxury in a matter of years, and knows all too well the layers of BS one can get wrapped up in around money, as well as what it takes to dig your way out.

In this…


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

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