Books written by redheads for redheads
A book is a summer must-have. Who doesn’t love lounging around and reading in the heat? Books are a great way to entertain yourself while sunbathing (or rather, shade bathing), and what better book to read than one all about redheads OR even better, written by a redhead!
‘Eleanor & Park’ by Rainbow Rowell
Eleanor & Park was written by Rainbow Rowell, and oh… how opposites attract! The plot follows Eleanor and Park through a school year in the 1980s. Eleanor is a smart redheaded misfit, who meets a boy on the bus. Both Eleanor and Park have both struggled with different events in their lives, and are adamant that love never lasts… but that doesn’t stop them from trying.
‘The Time Traveller’s Wife’ by Audrey Niffenegger
The Time Traveller’s Wife is guaranteed to make and break your heart. This novel is considered to be “the international bestselling novel of a time-altering love”. Henry is a librarian who suffers with a rare genetic malfunction – he is consistently thrown into his past or future at random moments.
Henry has never been phased by his swift movement through time, that is, until he meets Clare. Clare is an artist, and redhead sensation who is the only woman to tame the time-traveller. In the movie adaptation, Rachel McAdams stars as Clare, and Eric Bana as Henry.
‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is possibly one of the most popular books this year! It was also named one of the New York Times‘ bestsellers. If you have TikTok, and enjoy reading, I am sure that you would have been recommended this masterpiece.
Taylor Jenkins Reid is the author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Jenkins Reid is also known for writing Daisy Jones and The Six… but we will get to that later. In this novel, you follow the redheaded, strong, independent, protagonist, Evelyn Hugo, through her past relationships with men. Rumour has it, there will be a Netflix adaptation announcement soon! So, keep your eyes peeled!
‘The Roots of Desire: The Myth, Meaning and Sexual Power of Red Hair’ by Marion Roach
Marion Roach is a natural redhead herself. Roots of Desire: The Myth, Meaning and Sexual Power of Red Hair, is a witty, yet informative non-fiction piece. The book covers the history of redheads, together with the Greek mythology, science, fetishisation, and fact that a redhead rarely goes unnoticed in a crowd.
The Harry Potter complete collection
J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter is probably one of the most famous novel series of all time. It goes without saying that the redhead representation is at its peak in both the books and the films. The Weasley family are naturally redheaded and iconic to say the least. They are funny, family oriented, loyal, kind, and fight for what they believe in.
Honestly, I could talk about Harry Potter all day, but I won’t. All I will say is that if you haven’t read the Harry Potter series, it should be the top of your to-do list this summer. Enjoy!
‘Daisy Jones and The Six’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Daisy Jones and The Six! The hottest new show on Amazon Prime. But yes…like all great series, it was a book first. As you may already know, the leading lady, Daisy, is the redheaded star of the novel. Although the novel is fiction, it was inspired by the complicated romance between Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie.
As I mentioned earlier, this novel was also written by the one and only Taylor Jenkins Reid. If you love a good female-led novel, she is a great author to explore!
‘Red: A History of The Redhead’ by Jacky Colliss Harvey
Within a few paragraphs of Red: A History of The Redhead by Jacky Colliss Harvey, you’ll realise just how complicated redhead history and genetics is. You’ll also learn that, aside from a mutated MC1R gene on chromosome 16, red hair is also dictated by HCL2 on chromosome 4, which determines your exact shade of gingerness. Who knew! Fascinating.
Tracing back 50,000 years, Colliss Harvey guides the reader through the Ancient Romans, the Egyptians, the Scythians, Elizabeth I’s reign…the list goes on. Listen to the Ginger Parrot Podcast episode discussing all things redheaded with Jacky!
‘The Big Redhead Book: Inside the Secret Society of Red Hair’ by Erin La Rosa
The Big Redhead Book: Inside the Secret Society of Red Hair is written by Erin La Rosa. La Rosa is a natural redhead herself (and a hilarious one at that). The book is an insight into one of the most unique societies in the world, the redhead society – or in other words, the two per cent.
The book boasts humorous and personal stories, facts, and pop culture. It is an easy, light-hearted, entertaining read, and the perfect item to take down to the beach!
For affordable, cheap, and secondhand books, use the website: World of Books. You can thank me later!