Kaia Gerber’s Book Club: See All of Her 2024 Picks

‘Dear Dickhead’ by Virginie Despentes

Recovering alcoholic-turned-novelist Oscar spends his days on social media, ranting and insulting others. When Rebecca, an actress who he offended online, sends him a vicious email, right as Oscar’s former publicist accuses him of sexual harassment, the two begin an intense correspondence in this timely novel, translated from its original French by Frank Wynne, about addiction, the patriarchy and ethics.

“You end up laughing and rabidly highlighting [this book,]” Library Science wrote on Instagram. “At least this was the case for us.”

‘Job’ by Max Wolf Friedlich

Jane is placed on administrative leave from her tech job after a video of her goes viral. When she arrives at the office of Loyd, a crisis therapist, things only escalate in this blazing new play, now in previews at Broadway’s Hayes Theater.

“This two-person psychological thriller touches on gender politics, power, our emotional connection to content, careerism, moral obligation, and what it means to be a citizen of the internet,” Library Science writes.

‘Role Play’ by Clara Drummond

This sharp novella and character study, which follows a Rio de Janeiro art curator who curates her life in excess, explores Brazilian art, culture and the unflattering realities of wealth. Dubbed a “class-consciousness awakening,” Library Science writes that they “can’t recommend this book enough.”

‘Brat’ by Gabriel Smith

Gabriel, the protagonist of this modern gothic novel, is grieving the recent loss of his father. When he moves back into his family home after a recent breakup, Gabriel finds his parents’ unfinished manuscripts, which, along with a mysterious home video, soon begin to haunt Gabriel in a myriad of bizarre ways.

“We really can’t stop talking about it … and cannot wait for you to read it,” Library Science writes.

‘Real Americans’ by Rachel Khong

This multigenerational saga follows three members of the same family: Mai, who left China for America at the height of the Cultural Revolution; Lily, Mai’s daughter who formed her own path in New York and Nick, Lily’s son who is set on uncovering the secrets his family has hid from him over the years. A potent read about identity and inheritance.

‘Sex and Rage’ by Eve Babitz

An iconic Los Angeles novel, Sex and Rage follows Jacaranda, a young woman who, tired of her beach-centric life in California, heads to New York for a fresh start. Gerber discussed the lasting influence of this 1979 novel with singer Gracie Abrams.

‘Astragal’ by Albertine Sarrazin

This classic French novel’s heroine, Anne, breaks her ankle bone when she attempts to escape from prison. On her journey toward freedom, Anne is rescued by a criminal named Julien, who agrees to hide her. Their love story, however, is plagued by Anne’s memories of her incarceration and her fear of being captured, in this 1965 semi-autobiographical book.

‘Martyr!’ by Kaveh Akbar

Violence has long haunted poet and addict Cyrus Shams, who lost his mother in a tragic accident and whose father makes a living killing chickens in a Midwest factory. Cyrus, who’s cultivated an interest in martyrs, begins to explore his family’s past — and comes face-to-face with secrets that might provide the meaning he’s been looking for.

“It quickly (very quickly) became one of our favorite new books,” Library Science writes of the novel.