Lauren Graham Shares 5 Unputdownable Books—Plus, Need-To-Know Details About the New ‘Gilmore Girls’ Documentary!

Lauren Graham is the kind of actor who embodies a beloved character so well that they’re almost one in the same. When you think of Lauren Graham, you can’t not think of Gilmore Girls and the iconic mother-daughter duo at the heart of the show—the chatty and charming Lorelai Gilmore and her brilliantly bookish daughter, Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel). And in real life, Lauren shares a lot of characteristics with both Lorelei and Rory. In fact, she is not only a book lover herself, but she’s a New York Times bestselling author across fiction and nonfiction titles, too. (More on that soon!)

If you’re interested in what Lauren Graham’s been reading and loving lately, you’re in for a treat. Here, we gathered up 5 unputdownable titles she’s been raving about so you can add them to your TBR. From Irish noir to nail-biting mysteries and magical romance, there’s something for everyone. Keep scrolling for all the must-read recommendations—plus, we have everything you need to know about the highly anticipated new Gilmore Girls documentary that was just announced!

Is there really a new ‘Gilmore Girls’ documentary?

Yes! There is a new Gilmore Girls documentary coming out on HBO Max, and fans are ecstatic. On August 5, Lauren Graham posted a sweet throwback photo of Lorelai and Rory (Alexis Bledel) and wrote, “Oh hey, hi…we’re making a documentary.” Within minutes, more than 10,000 fans were celebrating in the comments. “Paused my Gilmore Girls episode to scream at this—omg!” one fan wrote. “This is the most important show of our time,” another gushed.

This will be the first official authorized documentary made about the long-cherished seven-season family dramedy. The show has remained a staple in pop culture, with a gigantic fandom and millions of viewers worldwide since it first premiered back in 2000.

Per Variety, the official logline says: “The untitled film is told from the perspective of series creator Amy Sherman-Palladino alongside her husband, executive producer Daniel Palladino, and reveals how the show eclipsed expectations to become a cross-generational phenomenon by unpacking the unique alchemy of the creators, cast, crew and collaborators. The film includes never-before-seen outtakes, behind-the-scenes footage and script pages.” 

We’ll update you on more details as soon as they’re announced—because we’re just as excited to return to Stars Hollow as you are! To tide you over, pick up one of Lauren’s recent reading recs below.

Lauren Graham shares 5 must-read book recommendations

Over the years, Lauren has made a lovely habit of sharing the novels, books and cookbooks she’s been reading and loving with millions of followers on Instagram. But her literary world doesn’t stop with reading, she’s also the author of multiple books!

From her memoir Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between) to her novel set in 1990s New York City called Someday, Someday, Maybe and her essay collection Have I Told You This Already? and more, the Golden Globe winner has serious writing chops, too. Now, we’re taking a closer look at some of her most recent reading recommendations, below.

‘The Keeper’ Tana French

Tana French is an iconic Irish crime writer with a devoted readership—and Lauren Graham is one of those readers! The Keeper, the third installment of the Cal Hooper series, brings readers to the remote Irish village of Addnakelty. On a cold evening, a local girl goes missing—and then her body is found in the river. The shocking news tears the tiny town in two. Retired Chicago detective Cal Hooper tries to stay out of it, and his fiancée, Lena, wants him to stay far from the town’s drama. But as old secrets come to light, Cal has no choice but to investigate.

Why Lauren loves it: Lauren shared this along with other recent recommendations, writing “[This is the] third in a series. Start with The Seeker if you haven’t read the first two!”

Why other readers love it: “This is a lengthy commitment, clocking in at nearly 500 pages. It is a quintessential slow-burn mystery that may frustrate those seeking a fast-paced thriller. I highly recommend this book to readers who love literary mysteries, Irish Noir and character-driven stories. After this introduction, I’m clearing my to-be-read pile to immediately dive into the rest of the Tana French world.”

‘One & Only’ by Maurene Goo

If you’re a fan of Ashley Poston’s The Seven Year Slip or Rebecca Serle’s In Five Years, Maurene Goo’s newest book, One & Only, captures the same magical charm. Cassia Park comes from a long line of soulmate matchmakers—but as she nears 40, she still hasn’t found the one. Enter Ellis, a handsome younger man who can’t be her match…can he? As family truths arise, Cassia questions the meaning of destiny.

Why Lauren loves it: Lauren shared Maurene Goo’s latest book in a stack of recent recommendations and called it “a delightful romance!”

Why other readers love it: “Loved this so very much! The romances felt lived in and real and the mystical elements were written with just the right touch. Huge props to the author for not demonizing either prospect and writing two hot Asian guys. And it’s funny—so funny!”

‘Still Life’ by Louise Penny

Louise Penny is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the long-loved Chief Inspector Gamache series—and Still Life is the very first installment! When Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Surêté du Québec and his team of investigators are called in to inspect a mysterious death in a rural village south of Montreal, they rush to the scene. The body of Jane Neal, a local woman living in the village of Three Pines, was found in the woods. Gamache’s team is told a bowhunter is to blame…but he smells something far more sinister. 

Why Lauren loves it: Still Life is currently on Lauren’s TBR (to be read) list. She wrote on Instagram, “TBR, I needed a Louise Penny thriller!”

Why other readers love it: “I read and savored the book for many reasons. It held a constant suspense. It showed a great breadth of insight into people’s souls. Penny took the time to paint the beauty of nature and love. And, as a C.S Lewis fan, I can cheer for the Surprised By Joy part in the story.”

‘The Remains of the Day’ Kazuo Ishiguro

Booker Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day is a favorite on Lauren’s bookshelf—and one she rereads often!  The post WWII-set novel follows Stevens, an English butler who, after three decades of devoted service at Darlington Hall, takes a country drive that becomes a journey into his own past. As Stevens reflects on his loyalty to his employer and the world he served, he is forced to confront long-buried doubts about Lord Darlington, his own sacrifices and what he may have lost along the way.

Why Lauren loves it: “I reread this recently. It’s just so beautiful.”

Why readers love it: “It surpassed all my expectations. Beautiful prose, complex emotions and simple, almost poetic language come together to create something truly special. Beneath its quiet and restrained surface lies a powerful story about dignity, love, regret, loyalty and the moments won and lost through life.”

‘Good Material’ by Dolly Alderton 

Another one of Lauren’s favorites is Dolly Alderton’s Good Material—which was also a Read with Jenna pick! Alderton’s novel shines a funny, tender light on what really happens when a relationship ends but one person isn’t ready to let go. Andy is heartbroken, homeless and waiting for his stand-up career to take off. He’s also trying to navigate a bad breakup. Why did Jen walk away? And why does it feel like all his friends seemingly grew up overnight? As Andy begins to see the breakup from Jen’s side, a poignant story about friendship, love and life unfolds and proves that sometimes love stories can have more than one ending.

Why Lauren loves it: Lauren has previously talked about her love of Dolly Alderton’s writing. And earlier this year, she shared a photo of Good Material in a stack of “recently read” books on her Instagram, saying: “busier month=shorter stack!”

Why readers love it: “Every now and then a book comes along and wraps itself around your heart. This isn’t a story, it’s a human experience. I inhaled it. I won’t ever forget it. And I am Dolly Alderton’s new biggest fan. Bye, I’m off to go listen to all her interviews.”