Dua Lipa, the celebrated pop icon behind hits like “Dance the Night,” is expanding her creative horizons beyond music. In June 2023, she launched the Service95 Book Club, a comprehensive literary initiative that serves as a part of her broader editorial platform, Service95. This endeavor is more than a simple book club; it’s a vibrant community designed to foster engagement with diverse voices and compelling narratives. Through this platform, Lipa emphasizes the intersection of literature and personal reflection, promoting the idea that storytelling is a potent medium for connection and understanding.
The Service95 Book Club prides itself on its carefully curated selections, which embrace a wide array of genres including fiction, memoirs, and manifestos. Each month, Lipa introduces books that not only resonate with her but also reflect the intricate tapestry of global experiences and narratives. One of the most significant aspects of this initiative is Lipa’s commitment to hosting virtual Q&As with authors, offering fans and readers a deeper understanding of the chosen works. This direct involvement not only cultivates a sense of community among participants but also elevates the importance of the stories being told.
As the year winds down, Lipa decided to bring a festive twist to the book club by sharing a personal list of five books she intends to gift during the holiday season. Each selection showcases her discerning taste and commitment to highlighting underrepresented voices in literature. The titles range from Ingvild Rishøi’s “Brightly Shining,” which captures the essence of the holiday spirit through a modern retelling of a classic tale, to Percival Everett’s “James,” a powerful reimagining of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” that shifts the focus to the enslaved character, Jim.
Hernan Diaz’s “In the Distance” adds to this eclectic mix, presenting a unique and evocative take on the Western genre, which Lipa is excited to discuss with her friends. Moreover, her inclusion of works by celebrated authors such as George Saunders and Pedro Almodóvar indicates her appreciation for literary excellence and storytelling innovation. Through her careful curation of these titles, she invites readers to experience literature as a space for discovery, growth, and emotional resonance.
In an era where digital connectivity often replaces physical interactions, Dua Lipa’s Service95 Book Club embodies a refreshing return to communal engagement through literature. By inviting the literate public to dive into her chosen picks, Lipa endorses the idea that literature can encourage dialogue and foster storytelling appreciation. As readers explore these thoughtfully selected works, they not only discover new perspectives but also partake in a collective journey fueled by curiosity and empathy.
Ultimately, whether it’s during the holiday season or throughout the year, Lipa’s initiative is a testament to the transformative power of reading and the joy it can bring to individuals and communities alike. As the Service95 Book Club continues to evolve, it promises to remain a platform that champions diverse voices and meaningful narratives—efforts that reflect Lipa’s broader commitment to authenticity and connection in all her endeavors.