As we continue to venture into the new year, a simple resolution many likely tackle is reading more. Yet, when diving back into the world of reading after a long time away, sometimes you need a little push in the right direction.
Welcome to the LP Bookshelf! Throughout the year, our entire staff will continue to update this article with some of our favorite reads that are related to The Walt Disney Company, whether it be non-fiction looks at the company as a whole, deep dives into key figures, or narrative tales that have been adapted into film or television.
Our staff has kickstarted the year off with a selection of their all-time favorites, but be sure to keep checking back in for more titles to add to your ‘To Be Read’ lists.
(Below are affiliate links, allowing the website to earn money for items purchased through attached pages. Grab a great new read and help out the site all at once!)
- The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a fascinating and in-depth look at the complexity of what went into building Marvel Studios into the powerhouse it became. Though not the full warts and all chronicle that the also excellent outside-produced book MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios is (some sensitive subjects are notably skipped over), The Story of Marvel Studios does candidly tackle some notable inner-company issues along the way, with the two books complementing each other for those who wish to do deep dives into how the MCU came to be. -Eric Goldman
- Brian Jay Jones does it again with a detailed in depth look at George Lucas that showcases the person, without judgment, and allows the readers to make up their own mind. I was amazed to learn that his wife Marcia Lucas was so critical to the first Star Wars, but thanks to this book, I have a better appreciation of Lucas. -Bill Gowsell
- There's a strong chance you've heard of Disney War as it's often referenced whenever there's Disney corporate drama. That's for good reason as this read is wild – especially for those of us who may have been too young to know what was really happening at the time. But, even if you were around for the last days of the Eisner Era, if you haven't read Disney War, you're really missing out. -Kyle Burbank
- Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark was one of those books that made me go “I feel seen!” As a Disney kid, deep within the fan community soaking up any knowledge I could about the parks, it was hard to find content that wasn’t dryly written historical recounting. There’s no knock to those, of course, but sometimes you want something a bit lighter. Enter Kingdom Keepers, my saving grace in middle and high school. Written by Ridley Pearson, these novels imagine what would happen if the Disney Parks came alive at night…and those few individuals who have the ability to travel to them during closing hours. They were transportative, fun, and nerdy all at once. -Marshal Knight
- I know I am biased, but the story of The Lightning Thief is unique and has come to symbolize a lot of the potential that Disney+ can offer in longer storytelling, other than full length movies. The fact that the book was published by Disney, and has the classic hallmarks of action and adventure similar to many previous Disney films makes this a must own and read for Disney fans. -Bill Gowsell
- I first was introduced to Tuck Everlasting back in the fifth grade. Every quarter, we focused on a single chapter book, then finished each curriculum by having a celebration and watching the movie adaptation. Even as a child, I had issues with the Walt Disney Pictures version of the story. As a kid, I read the book and was instantly transported to Treegap, NH and the eternal world of the Tuck Family. It quickly became my favorite book of all-time, which I try to re-read every year. Do I commend Disney for tackling it? Yes. Do I wish they’d take another swing? Of course. However, no matter if you watch the film, I recommend everyone read this jewel box of a tale. -Marshal Knight