Keke Palmer’s Bookshelf Overflowing with Inspirational Reads

Given that she’s penned two of her own, it’s not super surprising that Keke Palmer enjoys encouraging self-help books and moving personal stories, including some great, well-written celebrity memoirs. When speaking with Amazon Book Reviews, the Hollywood figure highlighted how “Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself” by Nedra Glover Tawwab influenced her 2024 release “Master of Me.” “Learning to set boundaries has been a life-changing part of my personal growth and is so necessary to finding purpose…this is the guidebook,” she said in her recommendation. 

In terms of star-studded favorites, Palmer is a fan of Gabrielle Union’s “We’re Going to Need More Wine,” a humorous and heartfelt essay collection that tackles topics ranging from sexual assault trauma and racism to beauty standards and puberty. “I’ve always loved Gabrielle’s honesty,” she told Elle about the 2017 publication. “The way she explores all these different topics including race, sexuality, and while also being incredibly vulnerable and sharing stories from her past made me so proud of her for writing this book.” 

Palmer also shouted out “Dear Black Girls” by WNBA player A’ja Wilson, a 2024 release that examines what it’s like to grow up as a Black girl in America. “The thing I love about this book is that A’ja shows us that sometimes the support from the people we love is hard truths,” the “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer” podcast host said. “Gushy is good, but sometimes we need a little spice to get us right!” For inspirational reads centered around tough issues and personal triumphs, Palmer has all the recommendations you need.