In an innovative move blending art and literature, British pop sensation Dua Lipa launched the Service95 Book Club in June 2023. This initiative forms a key component of her broader Service95 platform, which includes a blog, a newsletter, and her podcast, “Dua Lipa: At Your Service.” With her unique approach, Lipa seeks to elevate diverse and underrepresented voices in literature while encouraging an engaged reading community. This effort symbolizes a step toward redefining celebrity influence beyond the realm of music, inviting fans and book lovers alike to explore a curated selection of literature together.
The books selected for the Service95 Book Club highlight a dynamic mix of fiction, memoirs, and manifestos. Each month, Lipa not only showcases best-selling titles but also shines a light on emerging authors, offering readers a wide-ranging view of contemporary storytelling. One of the distinguishing features of the club is the virtual Q&A sessions with the authors, designed to create an intimate setting where readers can gain deeper insights into the stories and themes explored in each book. This participatory aspect fosters a sense of community among readers, encouraging discussions and shared experiences focused around their literary journeys.
In December, instead of selecting a single book for the month’s reading, Lipa offered a list of five books she plans to gift during the holiday season—suggesting the power and intimacy of sharing literature in personal relationships. Among these titles is “Brightly Shining” by Ingvild Rishøi, which presents a poignant reinterpretation of a classic tale, evoking emotional responses that resonate with readers during the festive period. Additionally, Percival Everett’s “James” provides a thought-provoking reimagining of a canonical American story, demonstrating Lipa’s commitment to literature that challenges perspectives.
Her choices reveal a keen awareness of storytelling’s impact, with George Saunders’ “Tenth Of December” being another highlighted work. Saunders is known for his unique narrative style, and Lipa has singled out this collection for its standout stories, indicating her refined taste in literary artistry. Lipa’s engagement with works like Hernan Diaz’s “In The Distance” and Pedro Almodóvar’s short stories further showcases her eclectic taste and deep appreciation for diverse narratives that span across cultures and genres.
The Service95 Book Club embodies more than just a selection of titles; it represents a movement toward conversation and connectivity through literature. By selecting impactful books that spark dialogue, Dua Lipa is reimagining the role of a celebrity in the digital age. Readers are not just consumers; they are part of a vibrant collective interacting with literature in refreshing and meaningful ways.
Through this initiative, Lipa invites her audience to reflect on the power of stories to unite and empower, proving that even amidst the glamor of fame, there remains a vital space for growth and understanding through shared experiences in reading. As the club evolves, it has the potential to shape how fans perceive literature and the arts, reinforcing that through books, we can embark on journeys that promote empathy and widen our understanding of the world around us.