There was something in the air in the ’90s. From fashion trends to music moments, the ’90s were a whirlpool of defining cultural trends. And, of course, the “it” girls and boys we couldn’t help but crush on. Read on for all the bookish feels to match their heartthrob vibe.
Trigger Warning: Some books contain themes of mental health, violence, trauma, and slavery, which may be triggering for some readers. Please exercise personal care while reading.
Keanu Reeves and Slade House by David Mitchell
Keanu Reeves, everyone’s favorite nice guy, has to make the list. Thanks to his brooding charm and gentle charisma, Reeves became the ultimate icon of the ’90s. With his breakout role as Ted in the sci-fi comedy Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989), Reeves established himself as a talent in the movie world, well-known for his roles portraying action heroes, and especially his role as cool and enigmatic Neo in The Matrix (1999).
Those who love Reeves’ eccentric, offbeat charisma (and edginess like in The Matrix) will devour David Mitchell’s Slade House. On a quiet street, Slade House entices visitors with its eerie allure. The house is inviting at first, but sure enough, the unfortunate guests find themselves deep in inescapable horrors. Following the stories of multiple characters, Slade House will satiate your appetite for spooky seduction.
Shawn Wayans and The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune
Fans of the playful, quick-witted gentleman will surely adore Shawn Wayans. He’s a comedian, writer, and actor, and debuted in the comedy series In Living Color (1990–1993). Wayans brings comedic charm to every role, and he’s the perfect fun-loving, lighthearted counterpoint to more moody, romantic ’90s figures.
That’s why The Extraordinaries is a perfect match for Wayans’ playful yet lovable nature. TJ Klune’s debut novel is a coming-of-age story with all the irresistible humor that Wayans brings to his roles. Following secret fanfiction writer Nick Bell on his quest to become an Extraordinary, The Extraordinaries tells a tale that’s homorously unexpected, full of heroes, and not forgetting, a touch of romance. Just like Wayans, the novel brings that feel-good factor you can’t help but smile at.
Aishwarya Rai and White is For Witching by Helen Oyeyemi
Magnetic and sophisticated, Aishwarya Rai, a.k.a Miss World 1994, is one of the OG IT girls. She brought effortless Bollywood glamour to the 90s, all the while serving viewers with an undefeated dramatic intensity in every role she graced. She gave us incredible dancing in Jeans (1998), epic romance in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), and emotional resonance in the political drama Iruvar (1997).
For that reason, fans of Aishwarya will love the ferocity of Helen Oyeyemi’s White is For Witching. Much like the diverse roles played by Rai, Oyeyemi’s writing tells stories that are complicated by love, loss, and identity. In White is For Witching, Miranda Silver and her family move into a haunted house. In this gothic tale, grief, mental health, and racism blur into a supernatural presence. If you’re searching for a book as compelling and multifaceted as Aishwarya Rai’s acting, then you need to give Oyeyemi’s novel a read.
Lucy Liu and The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
Lucy Liu is captivating, talented, and of course, angelic. She’s Alex Munday in Charlie’s Angels (2000), and she’s bringing that ‘90s heartthrob energy we love. Liu broke into the industry as Ling Woo, starring in Ally McBeal (1998-2002), and since then, she has paved her own way, earning herself a gold star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – talk about iconic.
Lovers of Lucy’s fierceness have to read Roshani Chokshi’s The Star-Touched Queen. The book follows the protagonist Maya as she navigates her new life in Akaran, only to have the destruction associated with an ancient past begin to catch up to her. It’s got female royalty, darkness, and desire, and fantasy feels. The Star-Touched Queen is giving the same femme fatale energy in book form, just as Lucy gives on-screen.
Omar Epps and People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
If you can’t resist a ’90s romantic, look no further than Omar Epps. He starred in Juice (1992), The Wood (1999), and the unforgettable Love & Basketball (2000), bringing a mix of sincerity and warmth to the screen. Epps wasn’t just handsome; he had a way of making his characters feel grounded and authentic. He’s the kind of guy audiences could root for – and swoon over, all at once.
It’s that familiar quiet charm that makes People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry the perfect book pairing for fans of Omar. Emily Henry’s rom-com has the same sweetness that Epps brought to his roles. Following best friends Poppy and Alex as they fumble their way through vacations and second chances, it’s heartfelt but fun. People We Meet on Vacation is the kind of story that feels like a long-time crush finally turning into something more.
Nia Long and The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory
Viewers of rom-coms or dramas in the ’90s would undoubtedly have fallen for Nia Long. She was everywhere, from Love Jones (1997) to Soul Food (1997) to The Best Man (1999), and in her roles, she brought elegance and a magnetic screen presence that makes her impossible to forget.
So it only makes sense that The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory is Nia’s bookish match. The novel begins with a nightmare proposal, but what follows is a swoon-worthy romance charged with banter and emotion, led by a heroine who knows her worth. Just like ’90s Nia, it’s confident, delivering the kind of page-turning, rom-com energy you can’t help but fall for.
The 90s were an era of heartthrobs we’ll never forget, and honestly, why would we want to? From brooding icons to rom-com queens, their personalities are captured by books that give the same star quality.
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