How Did Dua Lipa's Passion for Reading Begin?
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Synopsis
Dua Lipa opens up about her enduring love for books, tracing back to her childhood experiences in a London bookshop. Discover how reading has shaped her life and influenced her philanthropic efforts in engaging others with literature.
Key Takeaways
- Dua Lipa's childhood was heavily influenced by her love of reading.
- Her mother played a significant role in fostering her literary interests.
- Literature has the power to shape understanding and empathy.
- Her initiatives aim to promote reading and literacy.
- The impact of reading extends beyond personal enjoyment to societal change.
Los Angeles, Aug 20 (NationPress) Singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, renowned for her chart-topping singles like ‘Dance the Night Away’ and ‘Levitating’, actually spent her formative years surrounded by books.
The 29-year-old artist revealed to ‘People’ magazine that her love for reading took root during her childhood.
She shared with ‘Harper’s Bazaar’, “Reading was such an integral part of my upbringing. There was a large bookstore located at the O2 Centre on Finchley Road in London, featuring a dedicated children's section.”
According to ‘People’, Dua Lipa recounted how her mother, Anesa, would often spend her weekends in the children’s section, “immersed in her books, while I would also lose myself in reading. Books help us take a step back from the chaos of life.”
Her paternal grandfather was a distinguished historian in Kosovo, and both of her parents fostered a deep appreciation for literature in her from a young age.
The Grammy-winning artist participated in a book club at a women’s prison in the U.K., part of the Booker Prize Foundation’s Books Unlocked initiative, and noted that the experience greatly impacted her perspective.
“There was one woman there, around 52 years old, who often comes to mind. She mentioned, ‘Had I discovered books earlier in life, perhaps I wouldn’t be here. Reading has helped me comprehend humanity and emotions.’ Books truly open doors to the world and make it feel more intimate,” Dua Lipa articulated.
The prison book club was reading Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart, which was also the inaugural selection for Lipa’s Service95 Book Club.
In a YouTube video from 2023, she discussed her visit to the prison, stating, “I initiated a book club with Service95 to encourage more individuals to delve into reading.”
Point of View
I find Dua Lipa's journey into the world of books both inspiring and relevant. Her experiences highlight the importance of reading in personal development and societal engagement, especially in today's fast-paced world. Lipa's efforts to encourage reading through her initiatives reflect a broader cultural trend that champions literacy and empathy, an essential conversation for our time.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked Dua Lipa's love for reading?
Dua Lipa's love for reading was sparked during her childhood visits to a bookstore at the O2 Centre in London, where she often spent time immersed in literature.
How has Dua Lipa contributed to promoting reading?
Dua Lipa has contributed to promoting reading through her Service95 Book Club, aimed at encouraging more people to engage with literature.
What memorable experience did Dua Lipa have at a prison book club?
During a visit to a women’s prison in the U.K., Dua Lipa was profoundly impacted by a woman who expressed that reading earlier in life could have changed her circumstances.
