From Pulitzer Winners to Biblical Retellings: Elizabeth Banks Reveals the 4 Books That Shaped Her

Actress Elizabeth Banks shares her top book recommendations, featuring Pulitzer Prize winners and biblical retellings, in a new literary spotlight.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 10:56 AM EDT

Source: People

A Connection to Americana and New York

Banks’ first recommendation is "Nine Stories" by J.D. Salinger. Her appreciation for the collection was reignited after her son read The Catcher in the Rye. Banks noted that Salinger’s voice remains a pillar of American literature, specifically praising how his characters resonate with her family's own adventures in New York City. For Banks, the "hero’s journey" to Manhattan is a relatable and exciting theme that bridges the gap between classic literature and her children's modern experiences.

The Emotional Weight of Parenthood

The actress cited "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy as one of the most devastating reading experiences of her life. The 2007 Pulitzer Prize winner follows a father and son through a ruined landscape, and Banks found the depiction of a parent trying to survive for their child to be profoundly moving. "I’ve never cried harder," Banks admitted, describing the novel as a "breath-taking" exploration of the lengths a parent will go to for their offspring.

Magical Realism and Historical Resilience

Banks also highlighted "The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead. She praised Whitehead's use of magical realism—literally reimagining the Underground Railroad as a secret tunnel system—as a powerful literary device to showcase human dignity and resilience. For Banks, the novel succeeds by weaving together the harsh tragedy of slavery with a sense of hope, creating a fictionalized reality that feels deeply educational and emotionally resonant.