Discover Six Life-Changing Books That Influenced Penn Badgley
Penn Badgley, known for his role as Joe Goldberg in Netflix’s “You,” is an avid reader. Unlike his character, who uses literature for sinister motives, Badgley uses it to understand the world. During his homeschooling years, books played a crucial role in his development as a person and aspiring performer. His experiences are detailed in “Crushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age,” co-authored with Sophie Ansari and Nava Kavelin, hosts of his podcast Podcrushed. The book highlights how literature has shaped his life.
Books That Influenced Penn Badgley
In celebration of “Crushmore’s” release, Badgley discusses six impactful books. Here are some of them:
The Thief of Always by Clive Barker
- Read at age 9 or 10.
- Introduced mystery, awe, and the horror genre.
- Left a lasting impression, despite not liking horror suspense.
- Ingrained a sense of existential dread, showcasing the book’s profound impact.
Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson
- Rediscovered during a late-night reading session with his son.
- Deemed as his first literary experience with humor.
- Praised for its wisdom, cleverness, and subtlety.
Badgley’s literary journey reveals how early reading experiences profoundly shaped his life and career. These books helped forge his path as a thoughtful actor and writer.
