Love Island USA Season 7 has been full of vibrant personalities and iconic moments that have brought social media to life. From heartfelt romances to no-nonsense life guides, these islanders would have some intriguing reads packed in their suitcases. Whether it’s a book that mirrors their own journey or one that inspires them to become their best selves, these eight picks reveal a little more about who they are beyond the drama and connections.
1. Olandria – Black Girls Must Die Exhausted by Jayne Allen
Olandria is the Love Island USA Season 7 baddie who is confident, beautiful, and always unapologetically stands on business. These qualities are what have made her magnetic in the villa as she navigates love, expectations, and big decisions constantly in front of the cameras. Personally, I find her similar to the protagonist in Black Girls Must Die Exhausted, and Olandria would adore the exploration of modern Black womanhood, confusing relationships, and the pressure to always “have it all.” Olandria’s journey on Love Island has been filled with balancing her vulnerability and strength, and this book would bring her comfort during her hardest days in the villa.
2. Nic – Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Nic is everyone’s favorite mommy’s little meatball, and is the laid-back and charming islander that America has grown to love. Nic would totally fall in love with Greenlights and Matthew McConaughey’s life story that blends storytelling, humor, and life lessons in a way that both inspires and entertains. Nic’s love for adventure and quest for meaningful connections would make a perfect match for this reflective memoir during his villa downtime.
3. Chelley – Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
As the villa’s bold and passionate islander, Chelley would be instantly hooked on Seven Days in June and its sizzling second chance romance that’s as emotional as it is passionate. As someone who is never afraid to speak her truth, Chelley would devour this book’s playful banter, layered characters, and exploration of past wounds and healing, as it reminds her of her own depth beneath her glamour and strength. She would definitely pass this book to Olandria and tell her to read it as well.
4. Ace – The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
Ace is the islander who’s never afraid to stir the pot or stand his ground. As the villa’s confident and unapologetic short king, Ace would appreciate The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck’s message with its blunt wisdom and how it prioritizes what really matters in life. With its no-nonsense and straight advice that mirrors Ace’s own approach in the villa, Ace would take all the book’s advice and share it with his fellow squad members, Nic and Taylor.
5. Huda – Rising Strong by Brené Brown
Huda is America’s favorite crash-out mamacita, but she’s also thoughtful, grounded, and has a quiet strength that not everyone sees. Huda would deeply resonate with the message of Rising Strong and its powerful guide to embracing vulnerability, owning who you are and your story, and always rising back up after setbacks. As someone who values growth and emotional honesty, Huda would adore this book for both its vulnerable reflections and resilience during her time in the Love Island villa. This book would’ve been perfect during her Jeremiah crash-out.
6. Chris – Sooley by John Grisham
Chris is one of the only good things that came out of this season’s Casa Amor, and is driven, athletic, and has a big heart. Chris is constantly trying to do his best for himself and Huda while staying true to who he is. He would be instantly drawn to Sooley, a moving and inspiring basketball story about perseverance, sacrifice, and chasing dreams against all odds. With its emotional depth and inspiring story, Sooley mirrors Chris’s own Love Island journey of pushing forward even when it gets tough.
7. Amaya – We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Amaya papaya is my favorite from this season, and I admire her vulnerability and strength even when the whole world seems against her. She is incredibly intelligent, outspoken, and deeply in touch with who she is and is never afraid to challenge others’ double standards. We Should All Be Feminists offers a powerful and concise manifesto on gender equality and identity that speaks directly to her values and who she is to her core. Amaya wouldn’t just read this book; she’d be the one passing it around to all the villa girls to spark real conversations and insight.
8. Bryan – The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Bryan is the calm and introspective islander who seems to have the ability to ground Amaya and the villa when things get intense. He would absolutely devour The Power of Now, a spiritual guide to always living in the present and letting go of the anxiety about the future and past. Bryan’s laid-back demeanor and thoughtfulness would allow him to find clarity and peace in the book’s message and would use it to exercise his own mindfulness and presence.
Whether they’re looking for a connection or just a good read between recouplings, these eight books are the perfect match for the Love Island USA Season 7 cast. If these islanders packed these novels, their villa bookshelves would be anything but boring.
Looking for more books for summer? Check out our article, 6 Fascinating and Vibrant Summery Picnics in Classic Literature!
Find these books on our Bookshop Love Island Book Recs bookshelf!
