John Mulaney’s book picks are just as beautifully quirky as you’d expect.

I’ve been a big fan of John Mulaney for the past decade—flaws, struggles, and all. His comedy has always struck the perfect balance between sharp wit and masterful storytelling, and I often find myself quoting him in daily conversations. So, when he started casually recommending books on Instagram, it felt like the perfect extension of his vibe.

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish my book club had more existential shark transformations and fewer wine spritzers,” then welcome to Mulaney Reads, book recommendations curated by comedian John Mulaney. With picks (shared via his Instagram) that are as emotionally rich and offbeat as his stand-up, Mulaney’s recommendations are perfect for readers who like their fiction with a side of surrealism and maybe a black coffee from McDonald’s.

Shark Heart by Emily Habeck
🎧 Audiobook
Genre: Fabulist fiction, magical realism (fantasy)
Vibe: Theater teacher turns into a shark. No, really.

In this wildly imaginative debut, newlyweds Wren and Lewis are thrown into emotional chaos when Lewis is diagnosed with a condition that will transform him into a great white shark. As Lewis slowly morphs, Wren grapples with grief, identity, and the meaning of love. It’s a poetic, bizarre, and deeply moving exploration of illness and transformation.

Playworld by Adam Ross
🎧 Audiobook
Genre: Literary fiction, coming-of-age
Vibe: Child actor meets Manhattan dysfunction.

Set in 1980s New York, this novel follows Griffin Hurt, a 14-year-old actor navigating fame, family dysfunction, and inappropriate adult relationships. It’s a raw, unsettling, and beautifully written story about growing up too fast in a world that doesn’t protect its kids.

Pan by Michael Clune
🎧 Audiobook
Genre: Literary fiction, psychological coming-of-age
Vibe: Greek gods, panic attacks, and suburban cults.

Nicholas, a brilliant but troubled teen, begins experiencing panic attacks and believes the Greek god Pan is trapped inside him. As he spirals through philosophical rabbit holes and suburban rituals, this cerebral novel explores the alienness of adolescence and the fragility of the mind.

Not vibing with John Mulaney’s literary taste? No problem! Take our Celebrity Book Club Quiz to discover the star whose reading style does match yours.

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