Jonathan Anderson brings elegant yet fun flair in this new reinterpretation of the Dior Book Tote. In a modern homage to literary classics, the new line features book covers including Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Truman Capote’s In True Blood, and James Joyce’s Ulysses in addition to the House’s founding couturier’s autobiography Dior by Dior.
Available in four sizes, the totes are as tasteful as they are functional with double handles and spacious interiors. As a result, they can be taken anywhere and can carry all your “what’s in my bag” essentials — including a book or two.
Although social media wants to label anyone who reads (especially in public) or carries a book around with them as “performative readers”, all reading is valid. With book sales falling globally and media literacy in a dire state, reading is as important as ever. Regardless of if you genuinely enjoy reading or just want to impress someone, the act of engaging in reading is what matters — not what people online think.
So, in honour of the new Dior Book Tote, Men’s Folio have put together a comprehensive list of books to put in your book bag. Whether you’re a new reader, a devoted reader, or even a performative reader, we’ve got you covered.
For the Yearners:
If you burn for one-sided love, sideways glances, soft hand touches, and lots of repressed desire, these books are for all you pining romantics.
Madonna in a Fur Coat by Ali Sabahattin
This bestselling Turkish classic is for all the lovers out there who ache for the pain and romance of pining after love. Sabahattin’s portrait of love and longing against the backdrop of a changing world is as tender as it is tearjerking.
White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky
In this short story by one of literature’s Greats, White Nights recognises the guilt and torment that comes from the canon event that is unrequited love.
Maurice by E.M Forster
An under-appreciated queer classic, Maurice beautifully explores themes of unrequited love and sexual identity within the repressive confines of early 20th century London.
“Performative” Must Haves:
Not that I believe in performative reading, but according to very serious research and credible sources, these are the books that would look best paired with an oat milk matcha and Clairo vinyls.
The Stranger by Albert Camus
Undoubtedly, The Stranger is one of defining works of the 20th century. But it’s also been deemed as essential reading for performative males on TikTok. A truly multi-faceted classic.
Just Kids by Patti Smith
Legendary American artist Patti Smith offers a look into her early life in this memoir. Its moving insights about friendship and youth are bound to touch your soul (as well as the all the people who are viewing your insta story).
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
Equal parts poetry and fiction, Ocean Vuong weaves together a compassionate and tender story about the power of speaking for yourself and storytelling.
Books that are Becoming Movies
From Nolan’s upcoming blockbuster giant, Emerald Fennell’s already divisive remake of a classic, to Netflix romcoms, these are the must-reads behind some of 2026’s biggest book-to-screen adaptations.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Before you witness Jacob Elordi with muttonchops brood in the rain set to a Charli XCX soundtrack, get swept away by Brontë’s gothic classic. Not only is it a truly beautiful novel, but upon reading it you gain the power to say “um actually the movie’s not accurate because…”
The Odyssey by Homer
Auteur and IMAX fanatic Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated adaptation is still a few months away, giving you ample time to dive into this epic. Published in 801 (yes you read that right), The Odyssey follows the epic journey of Odysseus in this retelling of myth and legend.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
From the new queen of romance fiction, Emily Henry’s lighthearted novel about holiday romance has taken a trip to Netflix screens. So channel your inner Dua Lipa and take this book with you on vacation…or just to your local coffee shop.
Self-Help and “Finance Bro” Nonfiction
Are you ok? Do you need help? Or do you just want to earn more money?
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Be the best version you can be with the guidance of James Clear to help break the habits that are holding you back and create new one’s that show people that you’ve got your life together, or are at least trying to.
Ikigai: The Secret To a Long and Happy Life by Francesc Miralles & Hector Garcia
It’s in the title.
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Rethink how you approach money with these 19 short stories that teach you things about money that you can’t learn in a classroom. Even if your face card declines, hopefully your bank card won’t after this.
Compact Size, Big Ideas
Queer poetry, feminist essays, and sharp societal commentary. These books might not weigh much in your bag, but they sure will weigh on your mind.
A Room of One’s Own by Virgina Woolf
A foundational feminist text, Virginia Woolf’s essay makes the eye-opening argument against the lack of female authors in history not being from a lack of talent, but due to a lack of resources such as having a room of one’s own.
Crush by Richard Siken
Beloved by the queer community and poetry lovers, this ferocious collection of poems by Richard Siken tackles love and obsession in a way that is simultaneously violent, sexy, and crushing.
Slow Days, Fast Company: The World, the Flesh, and L.A by Eve Babitz
A searing collection of short stories about Eve Babitz’s time in L.A during the 1960s that is filled to the brim with sharp, brilliant, and hilarious commentary about the bygone days of California.
Modern Classics:
Classics don’t have to be 200 years old to be recognised for their greatness. These are some of the defining novels and authors from the modern era that earn their instant icon status and are guaranteed to make people respect your taste in books.
Ulysses by James Joyce
Regardless of if you put Ulysses in the Ulysses Dior Tote Bag or not, Jame’s Joyce’s classic is bound to make you look like an intellect and person of immense culture. This novel, which parallels Homer’s The Odyssey, is a book in which this short review is unable to fully convey its brilliance. It simply must be read.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck is recognised as one of the best writers of the 21st century and East of Eden is widely considered as his greatest achievement, meaning this book is literally the best of the best. This sprawling family saga follows how destiny leads two families to helplessly reenact the demise of Adam and Eve and the rivalry of Cain and Abel.
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
It’s not hard to see why Toni Morrison is a Nobel Prize winner and considered one of the Great American Writers when she has books like this. Song of Solomon is a breathtaking re-imagining of the coming-of-age novel within Morrison’s always poignant and fully realised understanding of America, blackness, and life itself.
Actual Classics:
Books you have to read at least once in your life. These classics are classic for a reason and not just because they are old.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Widely considered to be the first science fiction novel, Frankenstein is a tale that has had a hold on literature, cinema, and the broader culture as a whole since its publication. Knowing of Frankenstein is not enough; this bold tale of tragedy, life, love, ego, and death will never die as the spirit of Frankenstein keeps getting re-animated in pop culture (shout out Guillermo del Toro).
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Combining gothic horror and the decadence of French literature, The Picture of Dorian Gray remains one of literature’s most unforgettable tales of corruption, vanity, and youth. But most notably, this was Wilde’s first and only novel and one of the early foundational queer novels.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice has it all: one of the most enduring love stories, witty social commentary on the Regency Era, and the icon and legend that is Mr Darcy. It’s so much more than just a love story, but wow is it an amazing love story.
Weird Girl Energy:
Existential crises, body horror, and perverted sexuality. These are some of the fun things to look forward to if you like your books to have some moral ambiguity and stomach churning moments.
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
Told in three interconnected stories, The Vegetarian follows a woman’s bold choice to stop eating meat as she transgresses societal expectations, bodily autonomy, and nature. Han Kang blends beauty and disgust to create a book unlike any other you have read.
The Passion According to G.H. by Clarice Lispector
A cockroach causes a sculptor to have a 150 page existential crisis — enough said.
The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek
The inspiration for Michael Haneke’s cult classic film of the same name, The Piano Teacher has shocked readers and critics since its release. This brutal portrayal of a piano teacher torn apart by her inner desires and repressive society is like a dull knife slowly lodging itself in your heart (in the best way possible).
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our December/January 2026 issue.