The Bookish Ashley

If you grew up watching Full House, you probably remember D.J. Tanner as the responsible, kind-hearted, book-loving big sister with a strong moral compass and a soft spot for nostalgia, family, and doing the right thing—even when it wasn’t easy.

Whether she was navigating high school crushes, babysitting Stephanie and Michelle, or working hard to impress her teachers, D.J. always felt like the kind of girl who’d keep a stack of books on her nightstand. So we asked ourselves: What would D.J. Tanner read today? From classic teen reads to contemporary cozy fiction, here’s our best guess at her bookshelf lineup.

📖 1. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

A timeless tale about sisterhood, growing up, and staying true to yourself? This is so D.J. You just know she admired Jo March’s independence and Amy’s flair for drama—while probably wishing she had Meg’s patience during Stephanie’s chaos.

💘 2. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

D.J. would swoon over Peter Kavinsky, let’s be honest. But more than that, she’d relate to Lara Jean’s devotion to her family, her sweet, slightly awkward love life, and her love of baking. (We still remember D.J. trying to be a perfect hostess, after all.)

📚 3. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Optimistic, bookish, a little dramatic, and full of heart? D.J. and Anne Shirley would be kindred spirits. This is the kind of story D.J. would have read on the porch with a glass of lemonade while Comet lay at her feet.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 4. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

D.J. was a beach girl at heart (remember her beach party phase?), and this coming-of-age story about first love, family, and the bittersweet tug of growing up would definitely resonate with her high school-era heart.

💕 5. The Next Best Day by Sharon Sala

A heartfelt, healing romance with second chances and a strong emotional core. Adult D.J. (especially from Fuller House) would read this during downtime at the vet clinic, savoring its hopeful, heartwarming message.

📓 6. Just As Long As We’re Together by Judy Blume

Friendship dramas? Middle school heartaches? Navigating life changes? This would’ve been on young D.J.’s bookshelf for sure. Plus, it’s Judy Blume—an icon of ’80s/’90s girlhood lit.

☀️ 7. Beach Read by Emily Henry

D.J. Tanner as an adult would be all in on this one. It’s witty, romantic, deeply emotional, and about two writers with totally different styles falling in love. There’s heart, hope, and healing—just her vibe.

✝️ 8. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Given D.J.’s values and quiet faith, she’d likely find inspiration in this emotionally powerful Christian romance based on the book of Hosea. It’s the kind of story she’d pass along to Kimmy—if she could get her to read it.

👩‍⚕️ 9. The Night Shift by Natalka Burian

With its strong female lead working the night shift, intergenerational relationships, and hint of mystery, this would appeal to adult D.J. as a late-night read after putting the kids to bed.

🏡 10. The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

D.J. always had a quiet strength about her—so this historical fiction about brave women, friendship, and the transformative power of books would hit home. Plus, she’d love the Appalachian setting and sisterhood theme.

Bonus Pick: Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul

Let’s be real—this was probably on D.J.’s nightstand next to her Lisa Frank planner and scrunchie collection. Inspirational, a little cheesy, but full of heartfelt wisdom—just like D.J. herself.

Final Thoughts

D.J. Tanner may be a fictional character, but her book taste would be full of heart, hope, and humanity. Whether she’s revisiting childhood favorites or sneaking in a rom-com between appointments at the vet clinic, her shelves would be a cozy, wholesome mix of coming-of-age stories, classic lit, and uplifting fiction.

📚 What books do you think D.J. Tanner would read? Share your picks in the comments below or tag us on Instagram @thebookishashley with your Tanner-approved bookshelf!