TikTok star reveals favorite books about love and life


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Dylan Mulvaney’s reading preferences lean towards literature that provides an escape from everyday life, particularly gravitating towards stories featuring humorous female protagonists or LGBTQ+ characters.

Speaking with Page Six, Mulvaney, whose memoir “Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer” was released Tuesday, shared how books have consistently served as her refuge. The memoir details her experiences before and after transitioning, including her navigation through various online controversies since gaining public attention.

“I’m a gal who loves an easy read with a funny woman or queer character at the center,” she tells Page Six, adding that books have always been a way for her to “escape from life.”

“I hope my book can be a happy escape for others now too,” she says.

The social media personality revealed six books that hold special significance in her life. Her collection begins with Chelsea Handler’s “My Horizontal Life,” which she fondly remembers sharing with friends during sleepovers. “Choosing just one of Chelsea’s book felt near impossible, but I went with her first which was the messiest and still one of my favorites. I remember reading it aloud with my friends at a sleepover.”

Marianne Williamson’s “A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles” has been a recurring source of guidance since her college years. “This book was gifted to me in college and I’ve reread it many times. It has been the foundation of how I navigate the world and treat those around me.”

As an enthusiastic Twilight fan, Mulvaney includes “Midnight Sun” by Stephenie Meyer, describing her experience listening to the audiobook during a cross-country journey. “I am a Twihard through and through. I listened to it on a cross-country trip and it felt even hotter than ’50 Shades of Grey.’ Team Edward forever.”

Jedidiah Jenkins’ “To Shake the Sleeping Self” earned praise for its exploration of faith and queerness through nature. “This book and this author are some of the best the world has to offer. Jedidiah’s ability to use nature to explore faith and queerness is heavenly.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Mulvaney recommends “Higher Self” by her life coach Mory Fontanez. “This is a new one written by my life coach, and I cannot wait for everyone to experience what I’ve gotten to work on with Mory in our private sessions. It’s what we need in 2025.”

Completing her list is Casey McQuiston’s “Red, White & Royal Blue,” which reignited her passion for reading. “This book made me fall back in love with reading. I finished it in 24 hours. Royals, bisexuality, steamy hookups … these are a few of my favorite things.”