7 Thought-Provoking Books Sarah Jessica Parker's SJP Lit Imprint Wants You To Read Right Now

Sarah Jessica Parker (SJP) is globally recognized as an iconic actress and style maven, but in the literary world as of late December 2025, she has cemented a powerful second career as a discerning publisher and champion of new literary voices. Her publishing imprint, SJP Lit, launched in partnership with independent publisher Zando, has quickly become a beacon for readers seeking "expansive, thought-provoking, and discussion-driven" literary fiction.

Far from simply lending her name, Parker is deeply involved in curating a list of titles that challenge, move, and connect readers, often focusing on stories inclusive of international and underrepresented voices. This curated collection of books is not just a celebrity endorsement; it’s a genuine reflection of her lifelong passion as a greedy reader, offering a fresh, unique perspective on contemporary literary fiction. Here is a look at the essential, must-read books published by SJP Lit, including the newest and most anticipated releases.

Sarah Jessica Parker: Actress, Producer, and Literary Curator—A Profile

Sarah Jessica Parker's journey from a stage performer to one of the world's most recognizable cultural figures is a testament to her versatile talent and enduring appeal. Her commitment to literature is an extension of her artistic life, not a departure from it.

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• Full Name: Sarah Jessica Parker
• Born: March 25, 1965, in Nelsonville, Ohio, U.S.
• Key Roles: Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City (1998–2004) and its subsequent films and sequel series, And Just Like That...; also known for films like Hocus Pocus (1993) and Ed Wood (1994).
• Family: Married to actor Matthew Broderick.
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Beyond acting and producing, she is an entrepreneur with her own fragrance line and a shoe collection, SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker.
• Literary Role: Founder and Curator of SJP Lit, a literary imprint launched in 2023 in partnership with Zando. She previously served as Editorial Director for SJP for Hogarth.
• Mission: To publish sweeping, expansive, and discussion-driven literary fiction, championing diverse and underrepresented authors.

The SJP Lit Collection: Essential Literary Fiction for the Modern Reader

The books chosen by Sarah Jessica Parker's imprint are characterized by their emotional depth, complex characters, and commitment to exploring challenging contemporary and historical themes. Each title is selected to spark conversation and leave a lasting impression on the reader. The imprint aims to publish four to six books annually, ensuring a highly curated and impactful list.

1. I Am You by Victoria Redel (Anticipated 2025 Release)

This is one of the most highly anticipated titles from SJP Lit, set to captivate readers in 2025. Victoria Redel's novel is a powerful work of historical fiction and a profound exploration of the artistic drive.

The story centers on Gerta Pieters, who, at the young age of eight, is forced to disguise herself as a boy and sent to work for a genteel Dutch family. This act of survival sets the stage for a life of secrecy, sacrifice, and the ferocious pursuit of art. Parker herself has praised the novel for its "ferocious insights into the human psyche." *I Am You* delves into themes of identity, the cost of creation, and the enduring power of the human spirit against historical turbulence.

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2. Women and Children First by Alina Grabowski (A Gripping Literary Puzzle)

Alina Grabowski’s debut novel is a masterclass in narrative structure, offering a literary puzzle built from interlocking stories. It has been lauded for its powerful portrayal of community, female relationships, and the quiet tragedies that underpin suburban life.

Set in a small Massachusetts town, the novel unfolds through the perspectives of ten different women as they grapple with the mysterious death of a high school student, Lucy Atkinson. *Women and Children First* is a deeply felt examination of agency, memory, and the complex inner lives of mothers and daughters. It is a perfect example of SJP Lit's focus on thought-provoking, discussion-driven narratives.

3. The Story of the Forest by Linda Grant (A Multi-Generational Saga)

Linda Grant’s novel is an expansive, multi-generational family saga that perfectly embodies the "sweeping" nature of the books SJP Lit seeks to publish. The narrative traces the Mendel and Polack families across the turbulent currents of 20th-century history.

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Rich with themes of family loyalty, love, ambition, and survival, the novel draws on the author's own family history while also exploring the horrors of the pogroms and the shadow of antisemitism. It is a historical and emotional journey that uses the metaphor of the forest to explore what is hidden, what is remembered, and how stories endure.

Why SJP Lit is a Literary Authority: The "Greedy Reader" Philosophy

Sarah Jessica Parker's success as a publisher is rooted in her authenticity as a "greedy reader"—a term she has used to describe her own insatiable appetite for books. This personal passion translates directly into her professional mission, making SJP Lit a trusted source for high-quality literary fiction.

4. A Quitter's Paradise by Elysha Chang (The Debut Title)

As the very first book published under the SJP Lit imprint, *A Quitter's Paradise* set the tone for the entire collection. Elysha Chang’s debut novel is an "extraordinary story" about a young American woman grappling with loss, identity, and the complexities of her family history.

The novel explores themes of grief, cultural heritage, and the search for belonging, showcasing the imprint’s commitment to championing powerful new voices. Its success immediately established SJP Lit as a serious player in the literary world, signaling that the imprint was focused on substance over celebrity buzz.

5. Coleman Hill by Kim Coleman Foote (A Powerful Debut)

Kim Coleman Foote’s debut novel, *Coleman Hill*, was the second book released by SJP Lit and further solidified the imprint’s dedication to diverse and underrepresented authors. The novel is a poignant and vivid story that follows a family across generations.

The narrative is celebrated for its rich character development and its nuanced exploration of the African American experience, family secrets, and the enduring pull of home. It continues the SJP Lit tradition of publishing critically acclaimed titles that resonate deeply with readers.

6. These Days (A Title Focused on Contemporary Life)

While details on *These Days* are less widely publicized than the debut novels, its inclusion on the SJP Lit list highlights the imprint's desire to cover a wide spectrum of literary fiction, including those focused on contemporary life. The book aligns with the overall mission of providing discussion-driven stories that reflect the modern human condition.

7. They Dream in Gold by Mai Sennaar (SJP Recommended Reading)

Though not always an SJP Lit publication, Parker frequently offers personal book recommendations that align with the imprint's ethos. *They Dream in Gold* by Mai Sennaar is a title that Parker has recently recommended, showcasing the type of expansive, compelling storytelling she values.

These recommendations serve as a valuable extension of the SJP Lit brand, guiding readers toward literary works that are emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating. Parker’s influence extends beyond her own imprint, making her a significant tastemaker in the broader literary landscape, encouraging fans to explore diverse authors and complex narratives.

The Future of Sarah Jessica Parker's Literary Influence

Sarah Jessica Parker’s pivot into serious publishing with SJP Lit is more than a side project; it is a dedicated effort to cultivate a lasting literary legacy. By prioritizing "sweeping" stories and underrepresented voices, she is actively shaping the landscape of contemporary literary fiction.

For readers who appreciate complex, character-driven narratives and a focus on profound human experience, the SJP Lit collection offers a highly curated and trustworthy reading list. As new titles like Victoria Redel's *I Am You* arrive in 2025, the imprint continues to solidify its reputation as a home for high-quality, thought-provoking books that demand to be discussed. To keep up with the newest releases and ongoing literary conversations, SJP Lit also maintains a bi-monthly newsletter, "Yours, SJP Lit," on Substack, ensuring her connection with the reading community remains direct and personal.