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Journalism of Courage
(Written by Kaashvi Khubyani)
Seen With: Olivia (Season 1)
Olivia carries this philosophy classic like a fashion statement. She may not be reading Nietzsche cover to cover but it gives her an edge- serious, smart and a little intimidating. In a setting full of wealth and luxury, holding a book about meaninglessness feels like her quiet way of pushing back. It’s less about the text and more about the image. Nietzsche becomes part of her poolside persona: deep, detached and way too cool to care about small talk.
Seen With: Paula (Season 1)
Paula’s carrying Freud but she could easily be one of his case studies. The book dives into dreams, desires and buried feelings- exactly what Paula seems to be dealing with. She wants to take a stand, question privilege and be different but she’s also caught up in the same world. Freud’s ideas feel weirdly fitting as she drifts between guilt and action. Her unread copy isn’t just a book, it’s a symbol of all her contradictions.
Seen With: Paula (Season 1)
Fanon’s book is a bold choice for a beach read and that’s the point. It’s radical, angry and deeply political and Paula uses it to show she’s not like the other guests. But her actions don’t always live up to what she’s reading. The book becomes a prop in her performance of being “woke” while vacationing in a paradise. It’s a powerful contrast, showing that even trying to rebel can end up looking like just another privilege.
Seen With: Jack (Season 2)
This slick thriller about charm, lies and identity theft fits Jack a little too well. Like Ripley, he’s mysterious, magnetic and maybe hiding something darker. Even if he’s only pretending to read it, the book is a perfect signal to the audience that there’s more to him than the audience sees. It plants a seed of doubt and suspense. In a show full of secrets, this book is a low-key hint at what’s coming.
Seen With: Victoria Ratliff (Season 3)
Victoria reading Fitzgerald feels almost poetic. The novel is about rich people slowly losing their shine and here she is, living that exact life without realizing it. It adds a quiet layer of depth to her character. Maybe she’s more aware of the shortcomings than she lets on herself or maybe it’s just a beautiful book to match her luxury suite. Either way, it’s a clever touch- a woman surrounded by privilege, reading a story about its slow unraveling.
Seen With: Lochlan (Season 3) Hamsun’s Hunger is a hard, introspective read about a man slowly falling apart—and that’s why it fits Lochlan so well. He’s the outsider in a wealthy family, always a bit lost, a bit overlooked. The novel feels like his inner world: full of pride, frustration, and quiet despair. It’s not something you pick up casually. It’s a signal. Lochlan doesn’t say much, but this book says everything about how heavy he’s really feeling.
Seen With: Belinda (Season 3)
Working in a luxury resort means smiling at people who treat you like furniture. Belinda knows this well and this book? It’s her silent coping mechanism. Erikson’s guide to dealing with difficult personalities feels both hilarious and painfully accurate in her world. Whether she picked it up for actual advice or just a moment of relief, it’s the perfect touch. Calm on the outside, overwhelmed on the inside, this book quietly reveals what she’s up against.
These characters might be soaking up the sun, but their book choices hint at the storms beneath the surface. Whether it’s a quiet protest, a cry for connection, or just a way to feel smarter in a sea of small talk, each title adds depth without a single word spoken. At The White Lotus, nothing is ever just for show, even the books are part of the drama.
