Al Roker, 71, Shares His Favorite Books and his #1 Read: ‘I Love This Book So Much’
The ‘Today’ show weatherman is a serious reader—and his picks range from thrillers to children's classics
Key Takeaways
- Al Roker's favorite books range from historical fiction to kids’ classics.
- Roker is a fan of James Patterson's Alex Cross—the inspiration for Prime's ‘Cross.’
- Al read ‘Wheels on the Bus’ to all three of his children and still gifts it today
When he’s not standing in front of the weather board or co-hosting the third hour of the Today show, Al Roker, 71, can often be found reading. That’s right: Everyone’s favorite weatherman is a lover of literature. Whether he’s revisiting a classic with his grandchildren or losing himself in a sweeping historical novel, Al brings the same enthusiasm to his bookshelf that he does to the weather desk. Some of his favorite reads just so happen to be ones he read to his children—and a few might just inspire you to pick up a new book. To learn Al’s favorite reads, keep scrolling!
Al Roker’s favorite books
From historical fiction to a classic kids’ tale, here are Al’s favorite books.
‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ by Amor Towles
Set in 1922 Russia, this bestselling novel follows Count Alexander Rostov after he is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin, the official residence of the Russian President and the executive branch of government. While there, he must rely on his wits to make sense of the historical events unfolding before him. Filled with wit, intrigue and just a little bit of danger, historical fiction lovers will devour this book.
What Al thinks: “I love this book so much. I have put it down in a futile attempt to stave off finishing this wonderful story.”
What readers are saying: “If you enjoy historical fiction, memorable characters, and writing that feels both sophisticated and heartfelt, this book is an absolute treasure. I cannot recommend it highly enough.”
‘The Awkward Black Man’ by Walter Mosley
This book—a collection of 17 short stories—follows an array of characters as they struggle to find their place in the world. Filled with deeply moving and vulnerable prose, highlights include “The Good News Is,” about a man’s insecurity about his weight and his intense battle with loneliness, and “Pet Fly,” which was first published in The New Yorker and follows a big company’s mailman.
What Al thinks: “I thought this might be a book about me. Thankfully, it’s not. It’s actually 17 of Mosley’s most captivating stories gathered in one collection, featuring an odd lot of characters who will entertain and delight.”
What readers are saying: “For readers seeking a collection of short stories that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, The Awkward Black Man is a must-read. Walter Mosley’s unparalleled storytelling shines in this anthology, making it a testament to his status as one of our most gifted writers.”
‘Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own’ by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
This bestselling biography reveals the trials, tribulations and triumphs of writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin, who lived from 1924 to 1987 and made history exploring race, sexuality and identity through the power of words.
What Al thinks: “A fascinating look at the playwright, poet and novelist who was best known for writing essays on being a black man in America. As this country continues to face civil unrest, this finely tuned biography is a source of hope, and has spurred me to read more James Baldwin.”
What readers are saying: “This important book reminded me that others (in this case Baldwin) have been in similar moments before and bore witness to the fact that ‘hope is invented every day.’ Grateful for the truth of this book, the vulnerability of Eddie S. Glaude Jr. and the resilience of the life explored and journeyed with. This is a volume I will come back to many times and will make sure my son, when he grows up, will also drink from this well.”
‘Along Came a Spider’ by James Patterson
The first book in James Patterson’s Alex Cross series, which was the inspiration for the Prime Video show Cross, follows Alex Cross, a homicide detective in Washington, D.C. ,with a Ph.D. in psychology, and Jezzie Flanagan, supervisor of the Secret Service in Washington. As the two enter into a love affair, Gary Soneji comes along poised to commit the “crime of the century.” Can Alex and Jezzie stop him?
What Al thinks: “Alex Cross was and is one of the most original characters to come down the mystery/thriller pike in a long time. A psychologist turned detective working Washington, D.C.’s mean streets, he fights some of the most bizarre criminals this side of Batman.”
What readers are saying: “The book is a suspenseful thriller that pulled me in right away. Alex Cross is a smart, compelling protagonist and the twists kept me guessing throughout. The story is well-written and hard to put down.”
‘Wheels on the Bus’ by Paul O. Zelinsky
This beloved kids book tells the tale of the wheels, the doors, the wipers and the people on the bus. It’s fun, beloved and perfect for kids—and adults—who want to be transported back to a simpler time filled with music, love, laughter and, of course, bus riding.
What Al thinks: “I love this book. I read it first for Courtney [Al’s eldest daughter] and Leila [Al’s other daughter] and Nick [Al’s son]. I’ve gifted this to a couple of my coworkers’ kids. My dad was a bus driver. This is a terrific book.”
What readers are saying: “This book is absolutely excellent. There was a great deal of detail put into making this book extra special, from the manipulatives such as the door on the bus actually opening and closing to the windows sliding up and down. The book is beautifully constructed and has a lot to explore on each page. It keeps my 2-year-old occupied and is also a great book for us to read together.”
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