Remus Lupin’s Reading List
Remus Lupin has every personality trait that suggests he loves to read: shy, quiet, intelligent, good-natured, and studious. He was a prefect and performed well in school. Lupin is one of my favorite Harry Potter characters, and I think he’d recommend a mix of classic and contemporary novels. I can see Lupin enjoying books with deep meaning, such as Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, which teaches that monsters aren’t always what they appear to be. Lupin would love to read about characters and stories that he relates to.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
As a human-turned-werewolf, Lupin confronts prejudice and discrimination everywhere he goes. He would love and relate to the character of Atticus Finch, someone who is also passionate about combating hatred. Most importantly, this novel has a happy ending that would leave Lupin feeling hopeful about the world.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Similar to the main character of this book, Edmond Dantès, Lupin also spent time in a prison of sorts. During his time at Hogwarts, Lupin would hide in the Shrieking Shack whenever it was the full moon. Similar to Edmond, Lupin longed to escape and live a normal life. Edmond and Lupin were both wrongly imprisoned in a sense – Edmond for a crime he didn’t commit and Lupin for having no control over being a werewolf. Lupin would also love the adventurous plot of this novel and the theme of good triumphing over evil.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Although Lupin isn’t a vampire, he is interested in everything having to do with Dark creatures. From his fascination with Grindylows to his continual study of werewolves, Lupin would certainly enjoy the original vampire novel. Lupin always has a dark aura around him, and the same aura is in this book. Maybe Lupin would even come to empathize with Dracula’s plight.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
This is a book that always pulls at my heartstrings! Lupin seems to gravitate toward the sad and depressing, so it’s natural to assume that he would enjoy this wonderfully sad book. Additionally, the book includes a strong teacher-student friendship, something Lupin can relate to through his friendship and mentorship with Harry. I think this is a must-read for any and all professors.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
The truth is in the title; the Marauders are all outsiders, so this novel is ideal for them. The friendships between all the boys in the books are strong, and it may remind Lupin of his childhood at Hogwarts with his close friends. This is one of the greatest books on friendship ever written, and one of the most important aspects of Lupin’s life is his relationship with his friends.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Speaking of dark and depressing, this semi-autobiographical book is something Lupin would relate to. This book isn’t hopeful or cheery, but it is essential when it comes to understanding mental health. As someone who suffers from depression and anxiety, I’m grateful for Plath’s honest and relatable writing. While Lupin never talks about his mental health, there is always a sadness hovering around him. Hopefully, by reading The Bell Jar, Lupin will realize that he is not alone and that it is normal to be sad.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
This contemporary classic deals with issues of PTSD, depression, and social anxiety and isolation; basically, it’s one of the most acclaimed books for its depiction of mental illness. The main character, Charlie, reminds me so much of Lupin. Similar to Lupin, Charlie has social anxiety and has trouble making friends. Once he finds true friends, their wild adventures become a beautiful story. Charlie and Lupin are both characters that have an undying loyalty to their friends. Since Lupin spends his time teaching young adults, I could see him appreciating that this novel is from the point of view of teens. Actually, it would be a good idea for more adults to read this novel in order to understand the struggles teens are experiencing.
What other books do you think Lupin would enjoy reading? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
