Though she came to fame starring in box-office smashes like The Mask, There’s Something About Mary, and Charlie’s Angels, Cameron Diaz stepped away from Hollywood in 2014 to focus on self-care, spirituality, and personal relationships. A deep-seated curiosity about health and the human body led her to co-write The Body Book: The Law of Hunger, the Science of Strength, and Other Ways to Love Your Amazing Body, a New York Times bestseller that takes a scientific approach to nutrition, fitness, and mind/body awareness.
Her latest release, The Longevity Book: The Science of Aging, the Biology of Strength, and the Privilege of Time, delves into the art and science of growing older, encouraging readers to nurture themselves and build resilience as they age. Combining insights from top medical experts with her own life experiences, both titles aim to help women embrace their bodies and make better-informed decisions around health and wellness.
In a reading list for Barnes & Noble, Diaz was asked to share 10 books that most inspire her life and work. From Rachel Carson’s passionate environmental crusade to Jane Fonda’s trailblazing career path, find her favorites below. Complement with the bookshelves of Drew Barrymore, Julia Roberts, and Kate Winslet.
Cameron Diaz’s Reading List
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
“One of the first books that unleashed my imagination and truly inspired my love for reading as a kid.” -CD
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson (also rec’d by Jane Goodall & Rebecca Solnit)
“She is a scientist, an activist, an environmentalist, and an amazing writer. Her holistic outlook on nature and nurture and science and society is one I’ve carried with me always.” -CD
My Life So Far by Jane Fonda (also rec’d by RuPaul)
“Jane is one of the most honest, inspirational women I’ve been lucky enough to meet. She’s had such an incredible career as an artist and really led the way for women in our business creating and maintaining a brand that was entirely her own.” -CD
Not That Kind Of Girl by Lena Dunham (also rec’d by Carrie Brownstein & Florence Welch)
“She is literally one of a kind. Funny, smart, brave, creative and leading the way as part of a whole new generation of feminists.” -CD
Catching the Big Fish by David Lynch (also rec’d by Arianna Huffington)
“Transcendental Meditation has transformed my life and David Lynch has transformed meditation into an art form.” -CD
Missing Microbes by Martin J. Blaser
“To help you better listen to your gut, Dr. Blaser will teach you everything you need to know to understand just how big a role your microbiome plays in your overall health.” -CD
It’s All Easy by Gwyneth Paltrow
“I LOVE FOOD and Gwyneth’s books really capture the fun and passion of cooking and eating at home with friends and family, with a sneaky emphasis on being healthy while you do it.” -CD
The Long and the Short of It by Johnathan Silvertown
“Silvertown, an ecologist, has such smart and funny theories and observations about immortality, life span, and longevity by examining the natural world through a historical and scientific lens.” -CD
“Aside from inspiring me as an artist, business woman, mother and friend, Drew the author knows just what to say and how to say it to touch your heart.” -CD
This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection by Carol Burnett
“One of the funniest women ever to walk the planet.” -CD
(via Barnes & Noble)