Emma Heming Willis’ favorite books have become a ‘true lifeline’ during husband Bruce’s health battle
Ever wonder what your favorite celebrities are reading — whether it’s a timeless classic or the buzzy bestseller they can’t put down? Welcome to Page-Turners, where stars reveal the books that keep them hooked, inspired and up all night. Warning: your TBR pile is about to get a lot longer.
As Emma Heming Willis continues to be the primary caretaker for husband Bruce Willis — who is battling dementia — the author says books have become a “true lifeline” for her.
“Some provide a much-needed escape from the constant noise of caregiving and allow me to lose myself in another world,” she tells Page Six, adding that “others offer the knowledge and perspective I need to better understand dementia and learn how to care, not just for my loved one, but for myself.”
“Both have brought balance back into my life,” Emma — whose own book about caregiving, “The Unexpected Journey,” is out now — says.
See below for Emma’s six must-read books.
“Don’t Believe Everything You Think” by Joseph Nguyen
“This book is a simple but powerful reminder that we are not our thoughts. It helped me reframe and manage my stress and quiet my seemingly never-ending thoughts and ruminations. Its helped me see that peace is possible in the midst of difficult life circumstances.”
“The Unexpected Journey” by Emma Heming Willis
“I wrote the book I wish someone had placed in my hands the day we received our diagnosis. It’s a supportive guide to caring for yourself while navigating the complicated, heartbreaking, and transformative experience of dementia caregiving. This book is here to care for the caregiver.”
“Floating in the Deep End” by Patti Davis
“Patti’s honesty and no-BS attitude around caregiving is so refreshing. Her words gave me both comfort and perspective when I desperately needed them. Caregivers live with constant decision fatigue, and I love how Patti tells it like it is. Her wisdom has helped me stand firm in my role, and I refer back to it often.”
“Loving Someone Who Has Dementia” by Dr. Pauline Boss
“This book gave me language for the painful experience called ambiguous loss. It’s that unclear loss dementia caregivers go through that includes grief over a person who is physically present but psychologically absent. Dr. Boss validates feelings many of us don’t know how to name, and offers tools for navigating them with grace.”
“Memoirs of a Geisha” by Arthur Golden
“Japan is one of my favorite places and cultures, which makes this story even more special to me. What I love most is how it shows that beauty and hardship can exist side by side, and how transformation often comes from both.”
“The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown
“I enjoyed this book because it is one I shared with my daughters. Although we don’t read at bedtime like we did when they were little, we each read it to ourselves and to each other last summer when it was assigned for school. Talking about it was very bonding and meaningful for me.”
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