Cameron Diaz's Favorite Books Include Gripping Celebrity Memoirs

Cameron Diaz is a beauty and fashion icon — she's a queen of the trendy bixie cut, after all — just as much as a successful actor. But did you know she's a bestselling author and avid reader, too?

In December 2013, Diaz published her first book. Titled "The Body Book: The Law of Hunger, the Science of Strength, and Other Ways to Love Your Amazing Body," the book sees her sharing insights on how one can become happier, healthier, and stronger. The actor followed it up with 2016's "The Longevity Book: The Science of Aging, the Biology of Strength, and the Privilege of Time." Here, she talks about how women can age gracefully, learn to love their bodies, and better understand both the biological principles behind aging and the steps one can take for an overall healthier body and mind. 

Writing wasn't easy for Diaz, and before her first book was published, she was extremely worried. "I've never had that kind of thing where I was just literally debilitated. I realized I was just so scared that I was going to put this thing into the world and everybody's going to see me, and what if they don't like me? What if they think I'm crazy or I'm stupid? I was like, oh God, this is so painful," she revealed while speaking at Nicole Richie's Pearl xChange event in 2016 (via People). However, both of Diaz's books became #1 New York Times Best Sellers, and she leaned on her favorite books and writers to get there.

Cameron Diaz's books are so successful, in part, because she had some help from fellow writers. They not only inspired her but also helped her overcome writer's block. "I can't think of anything that anyone has ever accomplished without having some sort of self-discipline. Without knowing how to work for it. Without learning how to earn it. I talk to my friends who are writers. I say, 'Well, how do you do it?' Most all of them will say, 'I sit down,'" says Diaz in her book. 

But just what are her favorite books? In a reading list provided to Barnes & Noble, Diaz includes several celebrity memoirs. Her "Charlie Angels" co-star Drew Barrymore's "Wildflower" couldn't be missing from her list, of course. "Aside from inspiring me as an artist, business woman, mother and friend, Drew the author knows just what to say and how to say it to touch your heart," Diaz wrote. "Wildflower" is a collection of Barrymore's life experiences recounted with her typical wit. 

Another memoir that's left its mark on the actor's heart is Jane Fonda's "My Life So Far," which sees Fonda candidly describe her relationships with her parents, husbands, and lovers. Finally, David Lynch's "Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity" also holds a spot on Diaz's list. All of these books are unique in their own rights, but their biggest commonality is that they may just be Kindle books you should be reading right now.

Cameron Diaz's first book was all about loving and caring for your body, including feeding it with nutritious meals. As such, it's no surprise that one of the books she loves is Gwyneth Paltrow's "It's All Easy," which contains easy recipes for the entire family. "I LOVE FOOD and Gwyneth's books really capture the fun and passion of cooking and eating at home with friends and family, with a sneaky emphasis on being healthy while you do it," Diaz explained in her Barnes & Noble list.

And what about Diaz's favorite book? That would be "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker, as the actor admitted in an interview with Goop, Paltrow's wellness brand. The book won two huge awards in 1983 — the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award — and is a PBS Great American Read Top 100 Pick. It also became a hit movie musical in late 2023. 

In "The Color Purple," Walker chronicles two sisters' bond and the journey of abuse that brought them together. After her mother dies, Celie is forced to face her father alone until she's practically sold into a loveless marriage to an older widower, only to suffer more. But life works in mysterious ways, and Celie forms a strong connection with her husband's mistress, famous blues singer Shug Avery, when she becomes her caregiver.

Interested in finding your next favorite book? We've gathered the best underrated Kindle books to help you find amazing hidden gems.