The Jess Mariano Book List: Read The Favourite Books Of Jess From Gilmore Girls

If you find yourself drawn to the enigmatic and introspective character of Jess Mariano in Gilmore Girls, Rory's intriguing second boyfriend in Stars Hollow, then take a look at our reading list. Jess, with his contemplative nature and intellectual allure, is a huge favourite with fans - many of them wanting to read his booklist and capture his essence.

Our Jess Mariano book list serves as a guide to the authors and types of work that he reads, offering a glimpse into the books which shape his persona. Join us as we delve into the pages that have influenced Jess's character, and gain a deeper understanding of his intricate personality and intellectual depth.

Here is the comprehensive Jess Mariano book list:

Perhaps unlike Rory, Jess reads a selection of books by the same authors, he has his favourites. Rory has a large and extensive mix of authors and books whereas Jess has his signature style. Some of the authors on Jess’ reading list are Ernest Hemingway, Jane Austen, Charles Bukowski and Jack Kerouac.

Ernest Hemingway

Born in 1899, Hemingway became renowned for his concise prose, characterised by minimalistic yet impactful sentences that painted vivid imagery. His works often revolve around themes of masculinity, war, love, and the human condition. 

Hemingway's writing style, influenced by his own experiences as a journalist and World War I ambulance driver, embodies a sense of authenticity and rawness. He captures the essence of life's struggles and triumphs, delving into the depths of human emotions with a powerful simplicity. 

Hemingway's unique blend of economy of words, realistic dialogue, and poignant descriptions continues to captivate readers, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest literary voices of the 20th century.

Some of the works by Ernest Hemingway Jess Mariano mentions and/or reads in Gilmore Girls are as follows:

• The Old Man And The Sea by Ernest Hemingway

• A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway 

• For Whom The Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

• The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

Jane Austen

Jane Austen, born in 1775, is widely regarded as one of the most celebrated and influential authors in English literature. Her novels, set in the early 19th century, explore themes of love, marriage, social class, and the role of women in society. 

Austen's writing style is characterised by her keen observation, wit, and satirical commentary on the manners and customs of the Georgian era. Her works, such as "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma," provide a vivid portrayal of the society in which she lived, delving into the complexities of human relationships, societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal happiness. 

Austen's enduring appeal lies in her ability to create relatable and memorable characters, her astute social commentary, and her masterful storytelling, making her a beloved figure in the world of literature.

Some of the works by Jane Austen Jess Mariano mentions and/or reads in Gilmore Girls are as follows:

• Sense And Sensibility by Jane Austen

• Emma by Jane Austen

• Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen 

• Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen

Charles Bukowski

Charles Bukowski, born Henry Charles Bukowski Jr., was an American poet, novelist, and short story writer. Known for his raw and gritty portrayal of urban life, Bukowski became a prominent figure in the literary world for his unfiltered and often controversial works. His writing delves into themes of alcoholism, poverty, and the underbelly of society, offering a stark and uncompromising look at the human condition. 

Bukowski's style is characterised by its straightforwardness and accessibility, often using colloquial language and a blunt narrative voice. He explores the struggles of everyday people with a dark humour and a sense of brutal honesty that both shocks and captivates readers. 

With his distinctive voice and uncompromising approach, Bukowski's writing continues to resonate with audiences, drawing them into the raw and gritty reality of his world.

Some of the works by Charles Bukowski Jess Mariano mentions and/or reads in Gilmore Girls are as follows:

• Ham On Rye by Charles Bukowski

• Factotum by Charles Bukowski

• Love Is A Dog From Hell by Charles Bukowski

• The Last Night Of The Earth Poems by Charles Bukowski

Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac, a prominent figure of the Beat Generation, was an American novelist and poet known for his influential works that captured the spirit of post-war counterculture. Born in 1922, Kerouac's writing style was characterised by its spontaneous and unfiltered nature, often referred to as "spontaneous prose." 

His most famous novel, "On the Road," published in 1957, became a defining work of the Beat Generation. Kerouac's writing explored themes of freedom, rebellion against societal norms, the search for meaning and authenticity, and a longing for spiritual transcendence. His prose embraced stream-of-consciousness narratives, vivid descriptions of the American landscape, and an underlying sense of wanderlust, reflecting the author's own experiences and restless spirit. 

Kerouac's unique writing style, blending raw emotion with a sense of poetic rhythm, continues to inspire generations of writers and remains a testament to the restless yearning for adventure and personal liberation.

Some of the works by Jack Kerouac Jess Mariano mentions and/or reads in Gilmore Girls are as follows:

• On The Road by Jack Kerouac

• Scattered Poems by Jack Kerouac

• Pomes All Sizes by Jack Kerouac

• Visions Of Cody by Jack Kerouac

Books Which Are Important For Rory And Jess

• Howl And Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg

Howl is an important book/poem in the trajectory of Rory and Jess’ romance. It is the book Jess stole from Rory’s bookshelf when they first met at her house despite her asking whether he’d like to borrow it. He later reveals, when they meet in town, that he has read it around 40 times and has annotated the margins for her. The pair share a sweet smile cementing the start of their infatuation.

• Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens 

After Jess gives back Rory her copy of “Howl”, she calls him “Dodger” and he takes a few moments to understand what she meant. Rory is referencing the Artful Dodger known for his skills as a pickpocket relating to the fact that Jess stole her book. When he recognises the reference, he completes her small test and the pair seem on the same wave-length unlike Dean who doesn’t read and she had a similar interaction with.

• Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Moby Dick is subtly part of Rory and Jess’ romance in Gilmore Girls as it is actually a part of her and Dean’s relationship. In the pilot episode, Rory is seen reading Moby Dick (her first Melville) as she and Dean meet. The comparison between the 1851 novel of Movy Dick and the first book her and Jess bond over is a subtle nod to the types of relationship they will have and the character of each of the boys. 

• The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

When Rory and Jess meet in the Gilmore’s house, Jess seems enthralled by her after she says she tried to read The Fountainhead when she was ten and gave up but finally completed it at 15.

Other Classics Read By Jess Mariano In Gilmore Girls

Jess reads plenty of classics by other authors, poets and playwrights in Gilmore Girls including Shakespeare, J.D. Salinger and James Joyce. Here are some of the titles he picks:

• Othello by William Shakespeare

• Franny and Zooey by JD Salinger 

• Ulysses by James Joyce

• Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut

• 100 Years Of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez 

Political Books Chosen By Jess Mariano

Jess also reads a few books that are more politically charged than we see Rory read including:

• A Confederacy Of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

• Lies And The Lying Liars Who Tell Them by Al Franken

Jess Mariano’s Books About Counterculture 

Jess and Rory do bond over books relating to counter culture and the Punk movement including:

• We Owe You Nothing: Punk Planet, The Collected Interviews by Daniel Sinker 

• Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History Of Punk by Legs Mcneil, Gillian Mccain

• The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test Tom Wolfe

More Contemporary Choices Picked By Jess Mariano

As well as classics more akin to Rory’s choices, Jess reads some more contemporary books including High Fidelity and Naked Lunch.

• The Holy Barbarians by Lawrence Lipton

• Naked Lunch by William S Burroughs

• The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

• High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

From the timeless prose of Kerouac, Hemingway and Austen to the more politically charged choices of Toole and Franken, Jess' literary choices reveal the depth of his intellect and introspection. Jess Mariano really isn’t who he presents on the outside and not many get to see his intellect other than Rory when he lives in Stars Hollow.

By immersing yourself in the books that have captured Jess' attention, you can gain a greater appreciation for the layers beneath his brooding exterior. We hope you have found a new favourite that you can’t put down or a new choice which broadens your horizons.

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