Alyson Stoner shares their six favorite books
Alyson Stoner reads nonfiction books so they can gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
“As a lifelong actor, I never needed help escaping reality — I needed help surviving it. That’s why I read nonfiction,” the former Disney actor — whose new book “Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything” is out now — tells Page Six.
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Even though they’re personally not interested in “fantasy realms” or “billionaire vampire” sagas, they “enthusiastically support” their friends who are.
“I’m admittedly the person in the corner thumbing through an anthology on late stage capitalism. Tell me how things work. Tell me what literally happened. Help me make sense of this world,” Stoner explains.
The “Dear Hollywood” podcast host adds, “As you start seeing things for what they really are — systems, stories, patterns — you pierce through the illusions driving society (not to mention the illusions within your own mind… eep!). This clarity enables you to move beyond being a consumer of others’ ideas to being a co-creator of new realities. And that, my friends, is the conscious agency you deserve.”
Stoner’s new book, which hit stands Aug. 12, tells their story of growing up in the entertainment industry and dives into topics including mental health, navigating identity and major life transitions.
The Movement Genius co-founder tells us their six must-read book recommendations “aided my critical examination of life, purpose, and healing.”
“These authors have helped me reimagine how I move through the world,” Stoner explains. “I hope they inspire you on your path toward becoming more informed, more intentional, and more whole. “
“Hope isn’t passive—it’s a practice. This book shifts our climate conversation from doom to possibility, inviting us to imagine futures we want to live in. Ayana shows us that joy, art, and collective care are not side notes to climate justice—they’re central to it. Prepare to feel inspired and more connected to the potential all around us.”
“If you’ve ever felt that your thoughts aren’t entirely your own anymore, this book explains why. Zuboff’s work is a masterclass in connecting the dots between tech, profit, and power—and a wake-up call for reclaiming agency in a world that’s quietly monetizing our every move. This is essential if you want to stop being the product and start being a participant.”
“When I co-founded my mental health company, Movement Genius, we participated in a start-up accelerator focused on equitable health solutions. This book revealed that the way we design our products and services, our systems, and our public spaces can either be a tool for harm or healing. Given we will all experience some form of disability at some point in our lives (e.g. a temporary broken bone, chronic illness, permanent hearing or vision loss, a mental health condition, or even just a brief period of age-related changes in our final days), it became clear that accessibility isn’t an optional add-on—it’s the foundation.”
“For the peeps on their healing journeys, I’m amazed by Dr. Perry’s ability to explain complex neurobiological concepts in an approachable and compelling way. He explores what happens to a young person’s brain and overall development when they experience extreme stress and trauma, while compassionately offering techniques for deep healing. Content note: this book contains heavy and challenging themes, so read it with care. Or, try Dr. Bruce’s other book, ‘What Happened to You?,’ co-authored with Oprah.”
“If ‘semi-well-adjusted despite literally everything’ isn’t the unofficial mood of 2025, I don’t know what is. In my debut memoir, I peel back the curtain on the entertainment industry. But why stop there? I also unpack everything from mental health, to navigating identity and privacy in a digital world, to major life transitions (queerness? religion? new careers?), to what it means to be ‘well-adjusted’ in a dysfunctional society. Come for the childhood chaos. Stay for the cultural critique. And yes, I name names.”
“Can you believe next year marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence? I’m currently reading ‘Our Declaration’ by Danielle Allen, a brilliant political theorist, classicist, and public policy expert. She breaks down the Declaration word by word in an engaging way that reveals this isn’t just a historical event—it’s a living, breathing document worthy of deep reflection. Democracy isn’t a static idea; it’s something we build together. Danielle beautifully weaves personal narrative with political philosophy, inviting us to consider what it truly means to uphold freedom and equality.”
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