If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission. Now, the real-life cast of the romantic thriller are revealing what other books they enjoy, in an exclusive clip shared with Variety from Amazon News. Josh Hartnett, Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson sat down with Amazon for a rapid-fire Q&A game, where they shared thoughts on what makes a good book.
As Hathaway explains, “Since ‘Verity’ is all about finishing a story, today we’re finishing a few sentences about the kinds of books we can’t put down.” Among their answers: Hathaway thinks a great book villain requires “a great inner monologue,” with the actress adding that, “it has to be somebody even if you’re not agreeing with what they’re saying, you want to listen to them.” Johnson, meantime, is asked what “‘Verity’ will have you questioning?” Her reply: “Your sexuality.” “Verity” features a twisted love triangle that begins after struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh (Johnson) is asked by Jeremy Crawford (Hartnett) to help finish a manuscript started by his now-comatose wife, the bestselling author Verity Crawford (Hathaway). Understandably, Hartnett says “Verity” could have you questioning “your partner” or at least lead to “some debate… by the end of [the book].” First released in 2018, Hoover’s novel has returned to the top of the charts following the movie picture adaptation release. Amazon currently has the hardcover version of the book on sale.
Readers can also find the book in Kindle Unlimited, with Amazon Prime members able to get three months of access for free (not a Prime member? Get a 30-day free trial here to access all the discounts and benefits). The cast of “Verity,” meanwhile are also asked about what book recommendations they always trust, with Hathaway mentioning anything on the Man Booker Prize shortlist.
Hartnett, meantime, shouts out a good friend who always “knows me” and “knows things.” Watch the full Q&A with the “Verity” cast above, and scroll for some book recommendations based on the actors’ answers from Amazon Books. One of Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club picks and a New York Times #1 Bestseller, “First Lie Wins” follows Evie Porter as she builds a life with her boyfriend, Ryan Sumner. The only problem: Porter isn’t who she says she is, and flashbacks reveal her murky history, including a shadowy boss she reports to known only as Mr.
Freida McFadden’s “The Housemaid” was adapted into a feature film in 2025 starring Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney. The psychological thriller (and BookTok fave) follows the housekeeper Millie Calloway (Sweeney) who begins working for the affluent Winchester family, only to uncover a history of lies and secrets. From Taylor Jenkins Reid, “Atmosphere” follows Joan Goodwin, one of the first female scientists to join NASA’s academy and part of a group of engineers preparing to go to space.
Told through a present-day mission and past flashbacks, the novel explores everything from forbidden romances to female identify, as Joan fights to save her crew while navigating a (literal) whole new world. Susan Choi’s “Flashlight” was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2025 and was named one of the Best Books of the Year by more than a dozen publications. The novel begins with 10-year-old Louisa who is found alone and shivering after taking an evening walk along the water with her father, who only had a flashlight on him.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
