The Bookish Ashley

Donna Martin, the kind-hearted, optimistic, and fashion-forward character from Beverly Hills, 90210, is known for her sunny disposition and strong moral compass. Her reading list would reflect her romantic nature, love for personal growth, and interest in stories that celebrate friendship, overcoming challenges, and following one’s dreams. Here’s a selection of books that Donna Martin would likely enjoy.

1. “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han

Why Donna Would Read It: Donna would be drawn to this sweet and heartfelt romance about love, friendship, and coming of age. The book’s themes of summer love, self-discovery, and navigating relationships would resonate with her romantic and hopeful spirit.

Synopsis: This novel follows Belly, a teenager who spends every summer at the beach with her family and their friends. As she grows up, she finds herself caught in a love triangle with two brothers, navigating the ups and downs of first love.

2. “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert

Why Donna Would Read It: Donna would appreciate this memoir about a woman’s journey to find herself after a difficult period in her life. The book’s themes of self-discovery, spirituality, and embracing new experiences would inspire her adventurous and introspective side.

Synopsis: After a painful divorce, Elizabeth Gilbert embarks on a year-long journey across Italy, India, and Bali to find herself and rediscover joy, inner peace, and love, sharing her insights along the way.

3. “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Why Donna Would Read It: Donna would be captivated by this charming historical novel about friendship, love, and resilience in the aftermath of World War II. The book’s blend of heartwarming letters and unforgettable characters would appeal to her love of feel-good stories.

Synopsis: Set in 1946, this novel unfolds through a series of letters between an author and the residents of Guernsey, who formed a book club during the German occupation. As she gets to know them, she discovers the power of books, friendship, and hope.

4. “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion

Why Donna Would Read It: Donna would enjoy this quirky romantic comedy about an unlikely couple finding love in unexpected ways. The story’s humor, charm, and heartwarming message about accepting others for who they are would resonate with her.

Synopsis: This novel follows Don Tillman, a brilliant but socially awkward genetics professor, who creates a scientific survey to find the perfect wife. When he meets Rosie, a woman who doesn’t fit any of his criteria, he learns that love isn’t always logical.

5. “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert

Why Donna Would Read It: Donna, with her creative and entrepreneurial spirit, would find inspiration in Gilbert’s insights on embracing creativity and living a more fulfilling life. The book’s message about overcoming fear and pursuing passions would motivate her.

Synopsis: This self-help book explores the nature of creativity, offering advice on how to overcome fear, embrace curiosity, and live a more vibrant, inspired life. Gilbert shares personal anecdotes and practical wisdom for anyone looking to unleash their creativity.

6. “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott

Why Donna Would Read It: Donna would appreciate the classic tale of sisterhood, family, and personal growth. The March sisters’ stories of navigating love, loss, and ambition would resonate with Donna’s values of loyalty, friendship, and self-improvement.

Synopsis: This timeless novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up during the Civil War, exploring themes of family, love, independence, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

7. “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han

Why Donna Would Read It: Donna would love this lighthearted and charming YA romance that captures the sweet and awkward moments of teenage love. The story’s emphasis on family, friendship, and following your heart would align with Donna’s personality.

Synopsis: This novel follows Lara Jean, a high school student whose secret love letters accidentally get mailed to her past crushes, leading to unexpected romantic adventures and self-discovery.

8. “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” by Ann Brashares

Why Donna Would Read It: Donna would be drawn to this heartwarming story of four best friends and their shared adventures, dreams, and challenges. The novel’s themes of friendship, support, and growing up would speak to her love of stories that celebrate strong bonds.

Synopsis: This novel follows four best friends—Lena, Tibby, Bridget, and Carmen—who share a pair of magical jeans that fit each of them perfectly, despite their different body types. As they navigate a summer apart, the pants become a symbol of their enduring friendship.

Conclusion

Donna Martin’s bookshelf would be filled with books that celebrate love, friendship, self-discovery, and the joy of living authentically. From heartwarming romances to inspiring memoirs, these stories offer a blend of comfort, humor, and inspiration—just like Donna herself. Whether it’s finding magic in everyday life or embracing the power of creativity, Donna’s reading list is as sweet, uplifting, and inspiring as she is.