Comedian Jordan Carlos Shares His 6 Favorite Books

The stand-up comic and author highlights classics and modern nonfiction titles that have stayed with him.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Comedian and author Jordan Carlos revealed his six must-read book recommendations in a new interview with Page Six. Carlos' selections include classics like Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" as well as modern nonfiction titles that explore topics like politics, the workplace, and serial killers. The 48-year-old writer said he's drawn to books "that don't announce [themselves] as important, but stay with you longer than the big, loud ones."

Why it matters

As a comedian and author himself, Carlos' book recommendations provide an insightful look into the literary tastes of a prominent entertainment figure. His choices span a range of genres and themes, offering readers a diverse set of titles to potentially discover.

The details

Carlos' book picks include James Baldwin's "The Fire Next Time," Lindsey Cormack's "How to Raise a Citizen," David Graeber's "Bullsh*t Jobs," Michael Lewis' "Liar's Poker," Erik Larson's "The Devil in the White City," and Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451." The comedian praised the authors' writing styles, attention to detail, and ability to tackle complex topics in compelling ways.

  • Jordan Carlos' new book "Choreplay" was published on February 10, 2026.
  • The interview with Page Six was published on February 10, 2026.

The players

Jordan Carlos

A 48-year-old comedian and author who recently published his book "Choreplay." Carlos shared his six favorite book recommendations in an interview.

James Baldwin

An iconic writer known for his powerful insights on race and class in America, as highlighted by Carlos in his recommendation of Baldwin's "The Fire Next Time."

Lindsey Cormack

The author of the nonfiction book "How to Raise a Citizen," which Carlos praised for its simple but cogent advice on discussing politics with children.

David Graeber

The author of "Bullsh*t Jobs," a nonfiction book that argues against meaningless and unfulfilling jobs in the private sector.

Michael Lewis

The author of the memoir "Liar's Poker," which provides an inside look at Wall Street during the 1980s, a topic that resonates with Carlos as a New Yorker.

Erik Larson

An author Carlos calls the "LeBron [James] of narrative nonfiction" for his ability to seamlessly weave together seemingly unrelated subjects, as demonstrated in "The Devil in the White City."

Ray Bradbury

The acclaimed science fiction author whose dystopian novel "Fahrenheit 451" explores themes of censorship and the dangers of a society that bans books, which Carlos found particularly relevant to his work as a writer.

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What they’re saying

“As fiery as the title would suggest, James Baldwin is an iconic writer with a singular wit and a cold eye for glaring inequities and enraging dissonance. For better or worse, his insights on race and class are as true today as they were then, but it's really the way he crafts his arguments with such power and erudition — that's what always blows my hair back.”

— Jordan Carlos, Comedian and author (Page Six)

“It gives such simple but cogent advice on how to bring up a child in this era so that they will be ready to be positive members of our democracy. It's simple. It's straightforward and earnest and indefatigably hopeful writing without being over-the-top and Pollyanna — something sincerely missing from the landscape.”

— Jordan Carlos, Comedian and author (Page Six)

“Graeber cuts through the titular BS to reveal just how bloated, redundant and bureaucratic the private sector has become. I love books like this because it makes me thank God I quit my day job!”

— Jordan Carlos, Comedian and author (Page Six)

“Only Larson can take the seemingly unrelated subjects of serial killer H.H. Holmes and Frederick Olmsted designing Central Park and dovetail them so seamlessly. Larson is a master of putting you ten toes into an era with unflinching attention to 4K detail.”

— Jordan Carlos, Comedian and author (Page Six)

“As a comic, censorship isn't a joke to me. The First Amendment is sacrosanct. But Bradbury invites us into a world where all books are banned and replaced with brain-rot, low-brow entertainment meant to pacify and infantilize the populace under a brutal authoritarian regime.”

— Jordan Carlos, Comedian and author (Page Six)

The takeaway

Jordan Carlos' diverse book recommendations showcase his wide-ranging literary tastes and appreciation for authors who tackle complex topics with compelling writing styles. His selections span classic and modern works, offering readers a diverse set of titles to potentially discover and explore.