### **Decoding the Books in *The White Lotus* Season 2: What Do They Reveal About the Characters?**

This season of *The White Lotus* has been packed with drama—from shocking twists to simmering tensions—but one of the most intriguing details lies in the books the characters are reading. Just like in Season 1, where Nietzsche and Judith Butler made unexpected poolside appearances, this season’s reading list offers subtle clues about the guests at the Thailand resort.

### **The Books and Their Hidden Meanings**

– **Jaclyn Lemon – *My Name Is Barbra* by Barbra Streisand**
As an actress, Jaclyn naturally gravitates toward a legendary star’s memoir. But the parallels don’t end there—like Streisand, she’s tempted by infidelity, though unlike Barbra, she actually goes through with it.

– **Chelsea – *The Essential Rumi* (translated by Coleman Barks)**
A white, self-proclaimed “spiritual” woman reading Rumi? Not surprising. Still, at least she’s making an effort—even if it leans into Orientalist clichés.

– **Laurie Duffy – *Modern Lovers* by Emma Straub**
A Brooklyn-set novel about messy relationships and midlife crises? Perfect for Laurie, who juggles a chaotic career, complicated friendships, and a rebellious teen. Maybe she’s not as eager to escape her real life as she pretends.

– **Belinda Lindsey – *Surrounded by Narcissists* by Thomas Erikson**
This one’s almost too on-the-nose. After dealing with Tanya’s antics in Season 1, Belinda clearly needs survival tips for handling entitled guests.

– **Lochlan Ratliff – *Hunger* by Knut Hamsun**
A brooding Norwegian novel about despair? Fits Lochlan’s mood perfectly as he struggles with family dysfunction and his toxic dynamic with his brother.

– **Victoria Ratliff – *The Beautiful and the Damned* by F. Scott Fitzgerald**
Victoria dreams of a glamorous, carefree life—just like Fitzgerald’s characters. Too bad her kids keep ruining the fantasy with their own messy dramas.

### **Final Thoughts**
From self-help to literary classics, each book reflects the inner turmoil (or delusions) of its reader. Whether it’s escapism, self-discovery, or just pretentious posturing, these reading choices add another layer to *The White Lotus*’s sharp social satire.

**What do you think—are these books revealing deeper truths, or just another way for the guests to perform their personas?**