An Actor Who Reads to Expand His Soul
While many actors focus exclusively on scripts and lines, Justin Hartley’s love of literature runs deeper. Known to frequent indie bookstores in Los Angeles and New York, Hartley reads widely—from historical nonfiction to poetic fiction.
He credits reading with grounding him between shoots. “Books remind me of perspective,” he said. “When you inhabit so many characters, it helps to hear different voices and live in different times through pages.”
Favorite Genres and Authors
Hartley is particularly drawn to works by authors like Cormac McCarthy, Joan Didion, and Colson Whitehead. He’s praised The Underground Railroad for its emotional resonance and narrative power, and often rereads Didion’s essays when seeking clarity.
He also has a soft spot for psychological thrillers. In interviews, he’s mentioned enjoying books like Gone Girl and The Silent Patient for their sharp prose and twist-filled storytelling.
Reading With Purpose
Hartley incorporates reading into his acting prep as well. Before taking on emotionally complex roles, he often reads parallel literature to absorb tone and historical context. For a political role, he might read speeches or memoirs. For a psychological part, he turns to philosophy or trauma studies.
This intellectual approach reflects his commitment to his craft—not just as a performer, but as a thinker and artist.
Sharing the Habit
Hartley has started recommending books on his occasional social media posts and through interviews. Fans have followed his suggestions, starting book clubs and fan pages focused on titles he’s mentioned.
Through reading, Hartley connects with his fans in an entirely different way—not as a character, but as a curious mind eager to explore.
Whether on set or curled up with a novel, Justin Hartley is always chasing stories—and often, the most powerful ones are those on the page.
