"In Watermelon Sugar," "My Policeman," And 6 Other Books That Inspired Harry Styles' Art

Mr. Styles has the best taste in books, if we say so ourselves.

1. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

Harvill Press / Via amazon.com

As one of my favorites, I love reading this book when I need a tearjerker! One of Styles' first recommendations, it follows a young student and one man’s coming-of-age journey in a new city as he balances the feelings of mourning, loss, excitement, and desire. Warning: you might want to have some tissues nearby.

2. My Policeman by Bethan Roberts

Vintage UK / Via amazon.com

This next one is the novel that inspired the upcoming movie My Policeman set to release sometime in the next year that stars Harry Styles as the lead role of Tom Burgees. It provided insight into the queer lifestyle in Brighton, England in the 1950s, and the sacrifices one makes for love. Needless to say, you are going to want to read it before you see it!

3. Notes on "Camp" by Susan Sontag

Penguin UK / Via amazon.com

This is for the know-it-all fashion lovers out there! Used as the blueprint for the 2019 Met Gala theme, Sontag has influenced pop culture for years following this insight and dissection of what makes what “camp."

4. In Watermelon Sugar by Richard Brautigan

Vintage UK / Via amazon.com

Inspiring the popular single “Watermelon Sugar,” this quick and easy read is a great starting point for anyone looking to read some of Styles’ recommendations. Taking place in a dystopian society with tigers and outcasts, this is sure to make you think.

5. Love Is a Dog From Hell by Charles Bukowski

Ecco / Via amazon.com

Of course, I couldn’t get through this list without bringing in some Charles Bukowski. This one isn’t my personal favorite, but you can clearly see the relevant influence of the whole love, sex, and rock 'n' roll theme in Styles’ music. This poetry collection is a clear inspiration for Styles’ own writing.

6. Love Is a Mixtape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time by Rob Sheffield

Crown / Via amazon.com

Written by a Rolling Stone journalist, this is a memoir about Sheffield’s life after the loss of his young wife. This memoir pulls at your heartstrings as you realize that everybody has their own soundtrack to their life and the important role music can play in the human experience.

7. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami

Knopf / Via amazon.com

A repeated author from Styles’ recommendations, it is clear that he is a big Murakami fan. Who can blame him? This one follows a man from Tokyo searching for his wife and her cat, while also finding the secrets of Japan’s underground life during World War II.

8. And The White Album by Joan Didion

FSG Adult / Via amazon.com

Following the life of iconic author Joan Didion, this collection of essays covers everything from life in 1960s California, Blank Panther Party meetings, iconic rock history, and even Charles Manson. There’s something for just about everyone in here.

If you are looking for a good book to kick you out of your reading slump or even planning your summer reading list, these are the titles you should certainly be looking out for.

CW / Via giphy.com

All the way from academia essays to queer fiction, Styles definitely has proven he has range in the literature world, and this is clearly reflected in his own art through the years. 

Comment below with your own recommendations and let me know what I missed!