Actress Sarah Jessica Parker had a memorable year as one of five judges for the 2025 Booker Prize, the most prestigious literary award in the English-speaking world. When the event concluded in November last year, Sarah garnered attention for revealing she had read 153 books within seven months to prepare for the season. In interviews, she mentioned sometimes reading two books a day to keep pace, describing the extensive reading schedule as intense but ultimately a rewarding experience.

As the story of Sarah's reading ability spread across social media, many X accounts expressed disbelief, speculating she must have listened to audiobooks or chosen very short works to succeed. Book enthusiasts defended the actress, stating that reading two books a day is achievable with focus. Some even noted they read as much as the actress due to their professional requirements.

On social media, the actress often recommends her favorite books. Instagram/ Sarah Jessica Parker.

During a conversation with representatives of the Booker Prizes last year, Sarah Jessica Parker shared that she adapted her approach to reading over 100 books. Initially, she read at her usual pace, "like a regular person reading for pleasure." Gradually, the actress realized that tracing lines on the page with her finger helped her read faster. She added, "I still followed the plot, content, and details within the works, but let my finger guide me."

Regarding finding time for books, Sarah believes everyone has more time in their day than they realize. She suggests people can take advantage of moments spent waiting for a bus or train, at the laundromat, or before appointments. The actress stated she always reads this way, having learned to cherish these small windows of time since becoming a judge. "I make the most of every moment; I never leave home without one book," she said.

In another interview, the actress mentioned she often reads in her home office in New York. While reading, she listens to foreign music, such as from Tibet, Ukraine, Nigeria, Kenya, and Cuban songs from the 1960s. Sarah explained she avoids playing familiar songs to prevent singing along and losing focus. Occasionally, she wanted to abandon a book but made an effort to finish it, fearing other judges might find it good, thus hindering discussion about the work with them.

Sarah Jessica Parker discusses growing up in a family that encouraged reading. YouTube/ Penguin Random House.

According to Page Six, Sarah Jessica Parker, 61, has loved reading since childhood, inheriting this passion from her mother. Born into a family of eight children, Sarah recounted that her family owned many books and frequently visited the library. The actress stated, "My siblings and I were not allowed to leave home without a book, even as young children before we could read. My mother often read to us. I do the same with my three children, and they conclude: Books are the best friends you can have."

Her love for books motivated the actress to establish the publishing imprint SJP For Hogarth in 2017. In 2022, she launched SJP Lit, an imprint of the independent publisher Zando. To date, her imprint has released many works, including Lucy Caldwell's 'These Days', which won the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction in 2023.

Sarah Jessica Parker's family attends a 2024 event. From left: Sarah, eldest son James, 24, twins Tabitha (left) and Marion, 15, and her husband, actor Matthew Broderick, 64. Star Max.

At a 9/2025 event, Sarah Jessica Parker expressed her aim to discover and release publications that make a strong impression from the very first pages. "We hope to have the opportunity to publish them, introduce writers to readers, and bring emerging authors into the profession. Each time an author agrees to collaborate, it is very important to us," she noted.

Beyond her publishing work, Sarah regularly recommends books she is currently reading on her personal page. During a 2024 conversation with Today, the actress asserted that books are incredibly important assets in human life. The artist explained, "The reading experience, the memories books leave behind, and even the sorrow that accompanies a work we wish to feel – like touching pain, witnessing triumph with the characters, or sitting with them through a heartbreaking story."

Sarah Jessica Parker, born in 1965, is an American actress, film producer, and fashion designer. She is best known for her starring role as Carrie Bradshaw in the television series 'Sex and the City'. The actress has won two Emmy Awards and six Golden Globe Awards. In 2022, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Times magazine. She married actor Matthew Broderick in 1997 and has three children.

An excerpt of Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, in "Sex and the City". HBO.

Phuong Thao (according to Booker Prizes, People, Page Six)