Books Billie Eilish loves to read
What's the story
Grammy-winning artist Billie Eilish, known for her distinctive sound and style, also possesses a keen literary appetite.
Her eclectic taste in books spans genres and eras, offering a glimpse into the creative influences that shape her work.
This article delves into four books that have impacted Eilish, inviting readers to explore the literary influences of one of today's most innovative artists.
Insight 1
'Ocean Vuong's On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous'
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong is a profound letter from a son to his illiterate mother, delving deep into their shared Vietnamese heritage.
It's about finding one's identity, experiencing love, and seeking understanding amidst it all.
Eilish appreciates Vuong's emotional vulnerability and his ability to transform pain into poetry.
This book offers a raw and beautiful exploration of family, love, and the search for one's identity.
Insight 2
'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho
Billie Eilish also loves Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist.
This inspiring tale follows Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who dreams of unearthing a treasure buried in the Egyptian pyramids.
Coelho masterfully intertwines themes of fate, dreams, and the significance of heeding the heart's whispers through Santiago's quest.
Eilish finds strength in Santiago's determination and the profound message that the pursuit of dreams is life's most rewarding adventure.
Insight 3
Exploring human nature with 'Sapiens'
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari is a sweeping journey through human history, from the Stone Age to the Silicon Age.
Billie Eilish is fascinated by this exploration of human evolution, cognition, society, and culture.
Harari's profound reflections on humanity's past resonate with her as she navigates her own identity through music and the complexities of the human experience.
Insight 4
Creativity unleashed with 'Steal Like an Artist'
Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon is a creativity manifesto for the digital age, and comes highly recommended by Billie Eilish.
Kleon encourages readers to "embrace influence" to fuel originality, asserting that "nothing is original."
This concept liberates artists from the pressure of absolute originality, providing practical strategies for cultivating creativity through the unique combination and transformation of existing ideas.