Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Book Recommendations

Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

After 25 years at the Late Night desk, Conan realized that the only people at his holiday party are the men and women who work for him. Over the years and despite thousands of interviews, Conan has never made a real and lasting friendship with any of his celebrity guests. So, he started a podcast to...

Episodes 841
Books 296

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Phantom of the opera cover

Phantom of the opera

Gaston Leroux

Mentioned 4 weeks ago

Josh Groban

Josh Groban recalled that at age 16 he sang a song from Phantom of the Opera at the Grammys, describing it as the biggest day of his life.

Someone introduced me to David Foster, a famous producer and arranger, and he asked me to do this thing at the Grammys. I sang a song from Phantom of the Opera. It was like the biggest day of my life.

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An Actor's Guide: Your First Year in Hollywood cover

An Actor's Guide

Michael St. Nicholas

Mentioned 1 month ago

Olivia Munn

Olivia said her best friend gave her the book, which she read and used for advice when pursuing acting.

My best friend gave me this book called an actor's guide your first year in Hollywood. And I was like, page one, let's go.

Buy on Amazon
The World's Worst Assistant cover

The World's Worst Assistant

Sona Movsesian

Mentioned 2 months ago

Charlie Puth

The book was described as a smashhit about truth, though the speakers were unsure why it became popular.

Your first book, which was a smash hit, World's Worst Assistant. I don't see why it was so popular, because it's just a book about truth.

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The World's Worst Mom cover

The World's Worst Mom

Sona Movsesian

Mentioned 2 months ago

Charlie Puth

The book was mentioned as a followup about the host's adventures raising his two boys, described as "monsters" but adorable.

This one's called World's Worst Mom. It's all about your adventures raising your two lovely boys. A.K.A. Monsters. They're lovely. They're monsters, but they're adorable.

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Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood cover

Pictures at a Revolution

Mark Harris

Mentioned 3 months ago

David Oyelowo Returns

Conan described it as an amazing book that offers a snapshot of the 1967 movie industry and highlights SidneyPoitier's pivotal role.

There's an amazing book. I don't know if you've, if you've come across it ever, but it's called Pictures at a Revolution. And it's about, it's a snapshot of the movie industry in I think 1967 when it's all changing, but there's a big part of it that's about Sidney Poitier and how he came along and what a pivotal figure he was. And I think in 67, he's in two big movies and he's in Heat of the Night where he slaps a white man, which still gives me chills, and he's also in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner that year.

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The Art of War (Deluxe Hardbound Edition) (Fingerprint! Classics) cover

The Art of War (Deluxe Hardbound Edition) (Fingerprint! Classics)

Sun Tzu

Mentioned 3 months ago

The Freedom Reader

Reginald mentioned purchasing Sun Tzu's The Art of War alongside Under a Soprano Sky, though he never finished reading it while incarcerated.

It was a Sonia Sanchez book called Under a Soprano Sky and with Sun Tzu's The Art of War.

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The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War (Civil War Trilogy) cover

The Killer Angels

Michael Shaara

Mentioned 3 months ago

The Freedom Reader

Reginald described how Michael Shaara's The Killer Angels, a historical novel about the Battle of Gettysburg, fascinated him and became a repeatedly read favorite that he intends to place in Freedom Libraries.

There's this book, I think I've mentioned it before by a writer named Shara called The Killer Angels. And it's about the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg. ... I read this book and I just became obsessed with it.

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Under a Soprano Sky cover

Under a Soprano Sky

Sonia Sanchez

Mentioned 3 months ago

The Freedom Reader

Reginald said the first books he bought with his own money were Sonia Sanchez's Under a Soprano Sky and Sun Tzu's The Art of War, and he read Under a Soprano Sky a hundred times while in prison.

It was a Sonia Sanchez book called Under a Soprano Sky and with Sun Tzu's The Art of War.

Buy on Amazon
Arsenio: A Memoir cover

Arsenio

Arsenio Hall

Mentioned 3 months ago

Arsenio Hall

Conan praised the memoir as an honest, funny, and compelling account of Arsenio Hall's life and career.

And I've read this book and it's great. It's titled Arsenio, a memoir.

Buy on Amazon
King Lear (The New Folger Library Shakespeare) cover

King Lear (The New Folger Library Shakespeare)

William Shakespeare

Mentioned 4 months ago

Lisa Kudrow Returns Again

They said the published version of King Lear was fantastic.

And I mean, when you published your version of King Lear, it was fantastic.

Buy on Amazon
You'll Never Know: A Thriller cover

You'll Never Know

Caleb Stephens

Mentioned 4 months ago

Wanda Sykes Returns

They mentioned an audio book called "You'll Never Know", describing it as a murdermystery kidnapping story that they thought was really good.

I would have found some audio books. I'm listening to one called You'll Never Know. I think you'd like it. What's that about? It's like a murder mystery kidnapping book. Okay. It's really good.

Buy on Amazon
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas cover

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Hunter S. Thompson

Mentioned 4 months ago

Johnny Knoxville

Johnny Knoxville said he read the book at 19 and it changed his outlook, describing it as a freeing, groundbreaking work that altered his life.

I read Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas when I was 19. And I felt like I didn't know anyone could write like this and be so free.

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Most Recommended

The Book of Sheen: A Memoir Cover

Charlie Sheen

The Book of Sheen

A Memoir

The title was introduced in two episodes as a newly released memoir, with the host announcing its availability and Charlie himself promoting it to listeners. Both segments highlighted that it was his debut memoir covering his life and struggles, but no deeper analysis or endorsement was provided.

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Episode: Charlie Sheen

The memoir was highlighted as being newly released, with the host announcing its availability. It was presented as Charlie's debut memoir about his life and struggles.

"

Book of Sheen is out now.

Episode: Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen promoted his debut memoir, noting that it had just been released and was available to listeners.

"

Book of Sheen is out now.

Comedy Nerd: A Lifelong Obsession in Stories and Pictures Cover

Judd Apatow

Comedy Nerd

A Lifelong Obsession in Stories and Pictures

In two episodes, the host and the author highlighted the book as a visually striking, photo‑filled memoir that reads like a textbook of the author's career, making it an ideal pick for comedy enthusiasts. Both praised its dynamic layout and the entertaining anecdotes interspersed throughout, noting that they loved flipping through its pages.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Judd Apatow Returns

Judd Apatow discussed his visual memoir, noting its beautiful photo-heavy format and that it felt like a textbook of his career, which Conan loved.

"

I got this book and I'm looking at it, it's gorgeous photos, you can flip through it, it's basically your career and I really loved it.

The book is called Comedy Nerd and it's a delight, just flipping through it you get hit with so many images of hilarious moments, and there are photos of you in there.

I'm excited that you have a book called Comedy Nerd, a visual memoir, and I think it's a great way to look back at your career.

Episode: Judd Apatow Returns

Judd described his visual memoir as a photofilled book that intersperses great observations about his career, noting it was a perfect pick for comedy nerds and that he loved it.

"

I don't have to read as much as I, and then of course, it's interspersed with great observations... it's basically your career... If you're a Comedy Nerd, this is the book to get. I really loved it.

It's a very dynamic visual memoir, full of pictures from my life, hoarded items and essays, and I felt it was like a textbook about workaholism.

I Love You, Mommy and Daddy - Children's Picture Book for bedtime, reading together, Mother's Day and Father's Day gifts, and more Cover

Jillian Harker

I Love You, Mommy and Daddy - Children's Picture Book for bedtime, reading together, Mother's Day and Father's Day gifts, and more

Judd described a children's book titled Mommy and Daddy that illustrated how babies are made with a simple drawing of parents in bed.

"

That book was called Mommy and Daddy; it had a drawing of the mommy and the daddy lying in bed and it just says Mommy and Daddy had a nap.

— Episode: Judd Apatow Returns

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Judd Apatow Returns

Judd described a children's book titled Mommy and Daddy that illustrated how babies are made with a simple drawing of parents in bed.

"

That book was called Mommy and Daddy; it had a drawing of the mommy and the daddy lying in bed and it just says Mommy and Daddy had a nap.

Episode: Judd Apatow Returns

Judd described a children's book called Mommy and Daddy that depicted how a baby is made with simple drawings and a brief explanation.

"

The book was called Mommy and Daddy, you know, are having a baby. It showed a drawing of the parents and said mommy and daddy had a nap.

Where Did I Come From?: A Guide for Children and Parents, African-American Edition Cover

Peter Mayle

Where Did I Come From?

A Guide for Children and Parents, African-American Edition

Judd Apatow recalled the book in two episodes, describing it as a cheeky sex‑education guide that used cartoon sperm wearing a top hat to humorously explain conception. He highlighted its funny, irreverent tone and noted how it presented the process in a light‑hearted way.

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Episode: Judd Apatow Returns

Judd mentioned a book titled Where Did I Come From? that used cartoon sperm with a top hat to explain conception in a humorous way.

"

That book was called Where Did I Come From? and it had funny cartoons of a sperm in a top hat explaining how babies are made.

Episode: Judd Apatow Returns

Judd recalled a cheeky sexeducation book titled Where Did I Come From? that used cartoons of a sperm in a top hat to explain conception.

"

The book was called Where Did I Come From? It had funny cartoons of a sperm in a top hat and said the sperm comes out not your nose but your dick.

Zorba the Greek (Korean Edition) Cover

Nikos Kazantzakis

Zorba the Greek (Korean Edition)

The hosts noted that the title served as a cultural caricature that illustrated the idea of living life to the fullest, encompassing both the highs and the lows of existence. They pointed out that, despite its exaggerated portrayal, the novel contained a genuine truth about embracing the whole catastrophe of life. Overall, the discussion highlighted the book’s relevance to their theme of wholehearted living.

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Episode: Hot Athens

They noted that the Zorba the Greek caricature captures living life to the fullest, describing the highs, lows, and the whole catastrophe of existence.

"

It's the Zorba, Zorba the Greek kind of caricature, but there's some truth in it, which is live life to the fullest. That means, uh, what is it Zorba says? The whole catastrophe, meaning the good, the bad, the highs, the lows.

Episode: Hot Athens

They referred to the novel as a cultural caricature that still held truth about living life to the fullest, highlighting its themes of embracing both highs and lows.

"

It's the Zorba, Zorba the Greek kind of caricature, but there's some truth in it, which is live life to the fullest. That means, uh, what is it Zorba says? The whole catastrophe, meaning the good, the bad, the highs, the lows. ... You've got to embrace it all.

The Future of Truth Cover

Werner Herzog

The Future of Truth

Conan introduced his guest's new book of essays probing the nature of truth and its future in the post‑strange information age. He mentioned having a copy at home and displayed the hardback on the show, describing the collection as fascinating. Herzog himself confirmed it was his latest publication, and the discussion highlighted the book’s relevance and insight.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Werner Herzog Returns

Conan noted it is Herzog's new book of essays probing the nature of truth and its future, and Herzog confirmed it as his latest publication.

"

My guest today is a legendary filmmaker ... He now has a new book titled The Future of Truth.

I just read your latest book... You've written a book called The Future of Truth, which is a bunch of just fascinating essays about what is the nature of truth and where are we headed in this poststrange information age that we live in.

I have your copy at home, your paperback. But to have a hardback here on the table, they sent us... This is the book.

We'll release it as an audio book at the same time with the printed version. The very last chapter is only two lines long, The Future of Truth.

Episode: Werner Herzog Returns

Herzog introduced his new book, describing it as a collection of essays that explore the nature of truth in the modern information age.

"

My guest today is a legendary filmmaker ... He now has a new book titled The Future of Truth. I am thrilled.

I just read your latest book. You've written a book called The Future of Truth, which is a bunch of just fascinating essays about what is the nature of truth and where are we headed in this poststrange information age that we live in.

I have your copy at home, your paperback. But to have a hardback here on the table ... This is the book.

Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life Cover

Steve Martin

Born Standing Up

A Comic's Life

It was discussed in the context of Steve Martin's career and how much thought he put into his work, in contrast to Letterman's approach.

"

Did you read the Steve Martin book, Born Standing Up?

— Episode: David Letterman

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: David Letterman

It was discussed in the context of Steve Martin's career and how much thought he put into his work, in contrast to Letterman's approach.

"

Did you read the Steve Martin book, Born Standing Up?

He put into his career more thought on a daily basis and continues to do so than I did my entire life.

Every Body Should Know This, Just Breathe Mastering Breathwork, The Cancer Code 3 Books Collection Set Cover

Dr Federica Amati

Every Body Should Know This, Just Breathe Mastering Breathwork, The Cancer Code 3 Books Collection Set

The speaker mentioned relying on books for learning Spanish, but felt that reading them alone was insufficient for proper immersion.

"

Because when you just read books that are teaching you Spanish or relying on what I learned in high school, that's not going to be good enough.

— Episode: Claro Que Si

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Episode: Claro Que Si

The speaker mentioned relying on books for learning Spanish, but felt that reading them alone was insufficient for proper immersion.

"

Because when you just read books that are teaching you Spanish or relying on what I learned in high school, that's not going to be good enough.

Mary Poppins: Mary Poppins, Mary Poppins Comes Back, Mary Poppins Opens the Door, and Mary Poppins in the Park Cover

P. L. Travers

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins, Mary Poppins Comes Back, Mary Poppins Opens the Door, and Mary Poppins in the Park

Conan was likened to Mary Poppins, implying he was helpful and resourceful like the famous nanny.

"

You're like the Mary Poppins.

— Episode: Don’t Sit Under The Walnut Tree

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Episode: Don’t Sit Under The Walnut Tree

Conan was likened to Mary Poppins, implying he was helpful and resourceful like the famous nanny.

"

You're like the Mary Poppins.

Joyful Recollections of Trauma Cover

Paul Scheer

Joyful Recollections of Trauma

Paul talked about his new memoir titled "Joyful Recollections of Trauma". He talked about his experiences with a physically and emotionally abusive stepfather and how he overcame a lot of adversity to find love and get married. Paul also discussed his unique childhood where he made his own fake video store and how his grandmother scared him with a butcher story, which he now realizes was not a normal childhood. The book is very honest and revealing, and it's interesting how Paul describes events without spinning them in a funny way. He just states facts.

"

And now he has a new memoir titled Joyful Recollections of Trauma.

— Episode: Paul Scheer

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Paul Scheer

Paul talked about his new memoir titled "Joyful Recollections of Trauma". He talked about his experiences with a physically and emotionally abusive stepfather and how he overcame a lot of adversity to find love and get married. Paul also discussed his unique childhood where he made his own fake video store and how his grandmother scared him with a butcher story, which he now realizes was not a normal childhood. The book is very honest and revealing, and it's interesting how Paul describes events without spinning them in a funny way. He just states facts.

"

And now he has a new memoir titled Joyful Recollections of Trauma.

It's interesting because you tell these stories that are part of your life and that you maybe have no spin on. It's like, oh yeah, this just happened.

I was like, oh yeah, I never opened the door for strangers because my grandma told me about this butcher who would kill kids and chop them up into chopped meat.

That image, I mean, I know it can't exist by the look who's talking, baby. Is your grandma a Grimm brother?

You've had people say, no, Paul, that's not a normal childhood. That's not what you do.

The Legend of Bagger Vance: A Novel of Golf and the Game of Life Cover

Steven Pressfield

The Legend of Bagger Vance

A Novel of Golf and the Game of Life

The Game was mentioned in the context of a dating advice book from 19 years prior, and how it suggested that negging (insulting a person subtly) could be used to increase attraction.

"

That's the game.

— Episode: Sarah Silverman Returns

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Sarah Silverman Returns

The Game was mentioned in the context of a dating advice book from 19 years prior, and how it suggested that negging (insulting a person subtly) could be used to increase attraction.

"

That's the game.

That book, the game.

It's from about 19 years ago.

War and Peace Cover

Leo Tolstoy

War and Peace

It was mentioned as a book that could be used to help a child sleep due to its weight, in a joking manner.

"

Put War and Peace on her head and she goes out like a light

— Episode: Please Don’t Destroy (with Special Guest...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Please Don’t Destroy (with Special Guest Paul Rudd...

It was mentioned as a book that could be used to help a child sleep due to its weight, in a joking manner.

"

Put War and Peace on her head and she goes out like a light

The Good Place and Philosophy: Everything is Forking Fine! (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series) Cover

William Irwin

The Good Place and Philosophy

Everything is Forking Fine! (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series)

Mike Schur, Rashida Jones' friend since college, created the show 'The Good Place', which Rashida didn't get a role in. Mike is known for being a good guy and a very ethical person, and has even written a book about ethics.

"

Yes. And also he wrote a whole book on ethics.

— Episode: Rashida Jones Returns

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Episode: Rashida Jones Returns

Mike Schur, Rashida Jones' friend since college, created the show 'The Good Place', which Rashida didn't get a role in. Mike is known for being a good guy and a very ethical person, and has even written a book about ethics.

"

Yes. And also he wrote a whole book on ethics.

He's he's been that guy forever.

Vintage Crochet Sweater Patterns - 9 Crochet Sweaters and Blouse Patterns for Sizes 12 to 20 Cover

Craftdrawer Crafts

Vintage Crochet Sweater Patterns - 9 Crochet Sweaters and Blouse Patterns for Sizes 12 to 20

It is a collection of monologues that Andy Daly performed, many of them dark and humorous.

"

Well, they're all collected on an album called Nine Sweaters.

— Episode: Andy Daly Returns

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Andy Daly Returns

It is a collection of monologues that Andy Daly performed, many of them dark and humorous.

"

Well, they're all collected on an album called Nine Sweaters.

They're so funny. Nine Sweaters. Yeah, find that.

The Da Vinci Code Cover

Dan Brown

The Da Vinci Code

Conan O'Brien mentioned it in a discussion about puzzles.

"

Because Dan Brown wrote a book about that after The Da Vinci Code.

— Episode: Andy Daly Returns

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Andy Daly Returns

Conan O'Brien mentioned it in a discussion about puzzles.

"

Because Dan Brown wrote a book about that after The Da Vinci Code.

In the Heat of the Night Cover

John Dudley Ball

In the Heat of the Night

It was described as a formative piece of cinema.

"

In the Heat of the Night as well, which is just a formative piece of cinema for me.

— Episode: David Oyelowo

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: David Oyelowo

It was described as a formative piece of cinema.

"

In the Heat of the Night as well, which is just a formative piece of cinema for me.

Leaving Megalopolis: Surviving Megalopolis Cover

Gail Simone

Leaving Megalopolis

Surviving Megalopolis

Conan O'Brien mentioned "Megalopolis" as a movie, likely referencing the upcoming movie written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, which is still in production.

"

I'm trying to talk to Francis Ford Coppola about Megalopolis and you keep saying capo.

— Episode: Lani with an Ā

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Episode: Lani with an Ā

Conan O'Brien mentioned "Megalopolis" as a movie, likely referencing the upcoming movie written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, which is still in production.

"

I'm trying to talk to Francis Ford Coppola about Megalopolis and you keep saying capo.

Happiness Bastard Cover

Kirby Doyle

Happiness Bastard

This was Chris Robinson's newest album, which he mentioned several times.

"

Chris Robinson, welcome.

— Episode: Chris Robinson

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Chris Robinson

This was Chris Robinson's newest album, which he mentioned several times.

"

Chris Robinson, welcome.

whose 10th studio album Happiness Bastards is out now.

Hey, my guest today is a musician and co-founder of the Black Crows, whose 10th studio album Happiness Bastards is out now.

Happiness Bastards.

I've been blasting it in my car.

I've been blasting this and it's great.

It's fantastic.

And you guys, you guys haven't missed a beat.

You really haven't.

It doesn't, it doesn't, it doesn't feel like it at all.

I think it's been 15 years since the last time you guys worked together.

Check out Happiness Bastards because I've been loving this.

It's fantastic.

It's good.

It's nice.

I Curse You with Joy Cover

Tiffany Haddish

I Curse You with Joy

Tiffany Haddish discussed her new memoir, 'I Curse You With Joy', which she said she has been working on for three years. She explained that the book was a testament to her journey and how she got to where she is today, sharing her experiences and lessons learned along the way. Haddish emphasized that she wanted to bring joy to people through her storytelling.

"

I've been working on the book for about, well. I mean, it's your life. It's your life. Yeah, I've been working on it for 44 years.

— Episode: Tiffany Haddish Returns

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Tiffany Haddish Returns

Tiffany Haddish discussed her new memoir, 'I Curse You With Joy', which she said she has been working on for three years. She explained that the book was a testament to her journey and how she got to where she is today, sharing her experiences and lessons learned along the way. Haddish emphasized that she wanted to bring joy to people through her storytelling.

"

I've been working on the book for about, well. I mean, it's your life. It's your life. Yeah, I've been working on it for 44 years.

Yeah, I've been working on it for 44 years. But actually working on the book, actively working on it, it's been three years.

I feel like there's no manual on how to be a star. Right? Which I wish there was like a proper etiquette on how to do interviews, proper etiquette on how to behave at award shows or how to behave at this thing or that event. Like, there's no rule book.

So it's like, okay, I'm just going to be me. And this is my way of saying like, these are the ups and downs of what I've experienced, and I've learned some valuable lessons and some of them were hard, but here's the funny in it. Like, here's the joy in it.

I love that you said, I want to be bathed in hundreds of dollars. You've got to aim higher than hundreds of dollars. I mean, we could do that today. Hundreds. Like, yeah. Go out and get $300. I'll be right back. In one dollar bills. Make it rain. Make it rain. Yeah.

The Complete Book of Black Magic and Witchcraft: Including the rituals of Ceremonial Magic, Exorcism, True Sorcery and Infernal Necromancy Cover

Shadow Books

The Complete Book of Black Magic and Witchcraft

Including the rituals of Ceremonial Magic, Exorcism, True Sorcery and Infernal Necromancy

It was described as a book that turned the trauma of being Black in America into a positive message, implying that if one can survive that, they can survive anything.

"

He wrote a book called Black Magic, which is about turning the trauma of being black in America into something positive.

— Episode: Julie Bowen

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Julie Bowen

It was described as a book that turned the trauma of being Black in America into a positive message, implying that if one can survive that, they can survive anything.

"

He wrote a book called Black Magic, which is about turning the trauma of being black in America into something positive.

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.