A stylish, modern take on those classic “Get Caught Reading” posters from libraries appeared on social media this week. Sarah Jessica Parker, star of And Just Like That… and founder of her own book imprint, told Page Six she’s currently reading two books daily as she prepares to judge the Booker Prize.
“It’s intense reading that many books—the volume is hard to describe,” Parker said at the PEN America Literary Gala. “Having so many books to get through in a month is quite something.”
While some on social media doubted her claim (because heaven forbid a woman have hobbies—or listen to audiobooks on set!), I can confirm it’s absolutely possible to finish a book (or more) in a day.
As a kid with undiagnosed ADHD, I was a speed-reader—so much so that my parents would quiz me after I tore through the latest Pretty Little Liars book to see if I’d actually absorbed any of it. Though I often failed those pop quizzes and still struggle with details, I read quickly when I have time and interest. (Parker mentioned that with AJLT Season 3 wrapped, she finally had “time to read morning till night.”)
That said, is it enjoyable? Not really. The last time I challenged myself to read four books in a few days (all Sally Rooney novels for an article), I succeeded—but ended up with a headache, a foggy brain, and a desperate craving for mindless reality TV.
So why doubt Parker’s ability—or willingness—to read two books a day, especially as a Booker Prize judge? I’m sure she’s exhausted. Let Carrie Bradshaw put her feet up and flip through Vogue for once!