Alanis Morissette Takes Us Inside Her Massive Home Library | Shelf Portrait | Marie Claire

Alanis Morissette gives us a peek at her amazing, overstuffed bookshelves! The iconic singer-songwriter, who just released the new album "Such Pretty Forks in the Road," opens up her home library to give us a taste of the books that have made the biggest impact on her life. Her favorite titles are perfect for a deep thinker like Alanis, and she's got tons of fantastic recommendations for reading that will change and enrich your perspective on the world.
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[@marieclaire]

There's a whole lot we want to borrow from Alanis' bookshelves! Which of her recommendations are you interested in reading?

[@flaviogion]

All of them! Thank you for doing this interview!

[@ChanRMKA]

Eat pray love

[@valerierobinsonreadings8779]

The highly sensitive person.

[@Sam-du5oe]

Please try to feature more people who are actually big readers! Like Reese Witherspoon, Natalie Portman, Emma Roberts, etc

[@tms183]

Brainstorm - Dr Daniel J Siegel. I work in mental health with a desire to pursue youth work

[@robynkahle7240]

When you have to hide your books from a man, you know he is the wrong man.

[@ericjohnson2543]

I'm a guy and I have no problem with anyone having books. I'm working on getting enough books for a home library.

[@robradical7213]

She never said it was a guy.

[@PB-sz2lv]

@@robradical7213 0:04 She referred to the person as 'He' here

[@greenkitty82]

Yes. If a person doesn't like you for being 100% you, they are not the kind of person you need.

[@robynkahle7240]

@@robradical7213 well let’s just assume it’s the same guy from the famous song she wrote.

[@mycenth22]

I feel like Alanis Morissette is that Sociology or Psychology professor you learn a lot from just by hearing her talk through her processes.

[@Jayyy667]

Put down the phone

[@suzannebracker8219]

Yesss

[@charlenegareau9302]

Yeah, hope shes not swept up in gender studies or Critical Race Theory. Also she says she's into history. Well, the authentic history books are being rewritten to cancel truth so best she get her hands on what's left of the genuine ones.

[@henrique5231]

@@charlenegareau9302 too late, I guess 👀

[@bngr_bngr]

Charlene Gareau every writer has their own biases. The more one reads the better one becomes informed.

[@jayfrost5127]

What a super smart, continually curious, and very present person. It appears her music, although groundbreaking and beautiful, is just the the edge of her forest of thought.

[@Myllkka]

Just by the way you talk and perceive this video I can tell you're smart! It's lovely.

[@KatieKamala]

Nice way to describe her

[@mariahmartinez868]

Jay Frost you are fabulous! I love your words!

[@linalikesreading]

What a beautifully written comment! Are you by any chance a writer? I would read your books😄

[@jaysterling26]

Mind the bush though ( don't worry, you can't miss it).

[@bhoqeem1975]

Mad respect for anyone with that many collection of actually read books.

[@ratherbfishing455]

My sister is an interior designer. She buys a lot of books for her clients to convey their image.

[@josephinebournes8212]

@@ratherbfishing455 The absolute worst reason to buy books 😭

[@ratherbfishing455]

@@josephinebournes8212 If one is to close to being a billionaire, one has to show they are from a great background.

[@resonantstorm771]

Her genuine thirst for knowledge and expansion in all directions is so damn beautiful. She's a gem.

[@laurens7431]

THIS

[@sandopau]

"Conflict is growth trying to happen." Wise words from a beautiful, sensitive person. 💖

[@emranh]

Yeah that quote/part stuck to me too.

[@lorigeorgy5127]

ya...I wrote that one down!

[@Michaelmahony43]

I would pay money to spend a day in her library!

[@jamesbarber4]

Me too. She’s so wise🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@suicidexte_666]

Right. 👍

[@michaelmarshall9132]

I would pay money just to spend a day with Alanis

[@patriciafernandes1396]

Let’s go 🙋🏼‍♀️😄

[@alienatedlibrarian5017]

Saaame, except it seems like the kind of thing that would trigger her PTSD

[@roospooscreate]

When this is your mother , you will achieve great things in life.

[@daseinsfreude6085]

"Conflict is growth trying to happen" - how beautiful is that.

[@FalardeMusicaeLegal]

This library is the reason why she has such an amazing lyrics catalogue!! ❤

[@EJ-hj4nd]

Absolutely!

[@maryannemoll]

And the only singer I have come across who actually used the word “ironic” correctly.

[@garyvlahos635]

@@maryannemoll Dontcha think?

[@joeymaximus8146]

Her inner beauty radiates. The world is a better place with her in it. Such amazing depth!

[@zanyz1587]

She needs to do an audiobook, because her voice is soothing

[@juliep971]

She did. If you have the audible monthly membership, it is included.

[@janealexis04]

She is now my professor who has sent out her textbook syllabus. Thanks, Professor Morissette!

[@evan4905]

Currently obsessed with Alanis. This couldn't have come at a better time. 📚💜

[@sharksbite]

Me too! After every video, I say out loud "I LOVE this woman"

[@ifjimmycracks]

Same and her new album

[@jo-anneplummer3230]

Same same 🙌🙌

[@architectofdreams73]

Same. I saw her in concert in Atlanta at the Tabernacle for her SFIJ tour. I remember this clearly cause I was fidgeting with my hair and I could have sworn she looked dead at me, cause she did the same thing right then. Wishful thinking, I know. Lol

[@alejandrogarciagonzalez2777]

This is great! She is such an intelligent and well-spoken woman.

[@waitressboy]

Life goal: having a home library like Alanis'. Or maybe work as her own personal librarian.

[@teolita]

Excellent! We hear her love for words in her songs, don't we?!

[@dee4011]

Alanis is quite possibly one of the most amazing people on this earth. I've been a loyal fan since the 90's ❤ What an all around beautiful soul!

[@cleuziosilva7668]

She has eyes of the color of a lion's eyes! Gorgeous.

[@Blake4625kHz]

RARRRR!!!!! (scratch scratch)

[@readingsbycara]

True. _What makes her even more gorgeous is her wildly diverse and deep love of reading!_ *She is one smart, articulate, lioness!* ♥️ *New-found respect, admiration, and adoration.*

[@hallonsara]

I want everyone who suffers from growing up in a dysfunctional family to know about Pete Walker's books. So helpful. Thank you Alanis for including him on the list.

[@KathyWoolley]

Absolutely!

[@tuesdayskittens]

Woot

[@live_love_create1206]

She seems to be passionate about everything she does. Thank you for being such an inspiring woman!

[@thelaurels13]

What a wonderful beautiful intelligent lady. If you ever meet someone who doesn’t like the fact that you have “too many” books, time to stop seeing that person, because they are clearly threatened by your growth and development. You can never have too many books. I’m so in awe of her library - definitely library goals right there. Love this.

[@ms.5779]

I understand her completely...a book lover can never have enough space for their treasures. When I moved it was easier to part with clothes, purses and shoes than my books. It was heartbreaking to give some away. I would visit her just to lounge in the library

[@vestcoat]

Such a beautiful voice...not just for singing....but just speaking. Her vocabulary and the way she is able to so colorfully and eloquently express her thoughts and ideas....I think this comes from probably being a voracious reader all of her life. I could listen to her speak all day or night....it’s like music. She is much younger than me...but I feel I can learn so much from her. Love you, Alanis!

[@margaridaferreira8029]

When I thought it was not possible to love her even more, this vídeo is suggested to me ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@kristinemata8952]

She is living the best of her life! By pouring ao much information..she is really convincing..Now i wanna be a reader like Alanis!

[@ChristyMoody]

*Sigh* My forever female crush. Since I was 11 years old when Jagged Little Pill was released. First concert at 12. Over 20 years later and she's still so incredible!

[@jordynsosbe1518]

Did anyone else catch "The only way out is through"? So Called Chaos anyone?? ❤✨

[@Mr.Magic4ever]

Sure did. I immediately caught it.

[@ChaoticPeaceMS]

My username came to be from that line and album, and from much about what she talks about in this.

[@swarmsea]

I totally did!

[@wolfben22]

yes!

[@JPMJPM]

Yup!

[@rainbowofboxes8021]

someone else obsessed with books!?! 😁 i don’t feel alone anymore! 📚 the smell!! me too!! 😆 ❤️ peace & love

[@laurenhall1070]

Never have I ever seen someone so famously talented and popular. Involve her spare time wanting to get in the heads and thoughts of so many other's! I ♡ this woman! She is pure and real, and a serious sponge of life.

[@antoniodeleon8976]

I love hearing her speak she's so cool and badass and she's inspiring.😎🖤✨

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Hold up! 👋🏾😯 She’s got a podcast?!

[@hannahremmel9550]

My thoughts exactly

[@triciastewart9287]

It’s actually great but it’s been on pause for awhile

[@jummett]

Everyone has a podcast!

[@kaiserchief9319]

Who doesn't? Podcasts are like the new fall back career for attention seekers.

[@3dogmom]

@@kaiserchief9319 so YOU must have one then 🙄

[@mlo207]

Such a remarkable, intelligent woman who can make me cry with happiness.

[@lisadimona9420]

Thank you for this! She's an amazing ambassador for books and reading.

[@irisqueen4376]

“Conflict is growth tryna happen!” I love her perspective and also her vulnerability. She’s a very self-aware individual who truly “gets it” as it pertains to how we all need to show up in this world. Ready to learn🤓, Ready to grow 🤔, and Ready to love ❤️ ! I’m certain we would be fast friends if she and I were to ever meet.

[@andreamasone4616]

25 years ago I was blown away by the depth and intelligence of this woman. I was again, today,

[@Zenithxblack]

She is such a beautiful, remarkable human.

[@haqq4257]

I have a pretty large library of spiritual books myself. I actually met Alanis once, I'm sure she does not even remember, in Los Angeles at the old iconic Bodhi Tree bookstore. And sat at a table next to her right down the street at the Urth Caffe for lunch. Sadly the Bodhi Tree bookstore closed a few years ago. One of the saddest days for Los Angeles. That bookstore was such a valuable Beacon for the growth of so many...

[@MLSoll]

Her eyes are gorgeous. And she is very well spoken, loved this video

[@ianmacdougall1320]

Every Home should have a library as there comes a time when to seek to understand is the highwater mark of our humanity, the getting of wisdom is a library shelf....Alanis is a gem

[@christarkt8439]

Now this is what you call a proper library …bless her ❤

[@hiimadrienne]

Alanis, listening to you is a delight. Thanks for being you and doing what you do!

[@lovenymph61]

Wow! What an amazing woman to have such a wealth of books. Reminds me of my kids. They too are voracious readers.

[@kimberly77ish]

The color of her eyes are intensely beautiful!

[@autumnhomer9786]

🎀She has a mini library? And she loves the smell of books too? 😍 I love her even more.🎀

[@magicalpatterns]

I’m obsessed even more with her now that she is my age. I love her because she tells the story of motherhood so realistic and truthful to her

[@shellymars9961]

Hasn't she always been your age??

[@paulsmith3994]

Just love vibrations coming from this exceptional woman.

[@tesha2046]

I love Alanis and her music. I like how she talks and now I covet how her library looks.

[@lynnemarhong8813]

I love her...such an intelligent woman!!

[@andreasgrunder7003]

If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads.

[@joannejones363]

Wow ! Her library is GOALS.

[@tuesdayskittens]

So grateful for this insight! Did not realize how deep the river of Alanis runs ❤️

[@ahbonetbien]

I have been in love with your music forever but it's actually the first time I'm hearing you talk. It all makes sense now, ironic isn't it. Everything about you is deep and soothing, thanks for sharing.

[@Myllkka]

I'm a young woman and this is so cool to see, you'd think a famous singer is always at parties or something, but no, oh! And I used to read waay more when I was 13 (and didn't have a smartphone) than now, and I hate how much time I waste on youtube. This is a big inspiration, it really is. Reading is way more fun than apps that trick you into fake endorphins.

[@absoluteacw]

I actually read far more when I was in my teenage years. I think we are curious then and our brains require feeding with words if you like! Too many distractions for people of all ages now sadly..

[@jdogtwo5499]

The books are calling ...waste some time on them for a change...at least a couple times a week.🤓

[@Blake4625kHz]

I just wanna ride on the bookshelf ladder thingy.

[@absoluteacw]

@@jdogtwo5499 A great idea.

[@justiceroarknathanronzales958]

I love the fact that looking at her library, I can tell that each and every one of those books have been read... Bibliophiles can tell...

[@kirstenglae]

Absolutely LOVE Alannis, she takes me back to my first real “being in love,” when I first moved out at 19 years old. I had moved to San Luis Obispo to live with my boyfriend and go to Cal Poly. We lived a very hippy style life in a small town called Los Osos, about 15 minutes south of SLO near the ocean. Such a happy, blissful time in my life.

[@yamil.343]

Her smile lights up any room. Fellow Gemini ♊️ Proud!

[@melbdanger]

How in the world exist more than 32 people who come here and not enjoy this incredible woman and her knowledge? Really frustrating haters!

[@tamtam6717]

I had no idea there is so much depth to her! I could listen to her sharing her ideas and processes for hours! I could get lost in her library for years.

[@hxokxo]

Everytime I listen to her music, I'm shocked. Lyrics is so deep and insightful. That leads to heal my soul.

[@lucamolta]

i know that some of these books will probably change my life in who knows how many positive ways so thankyou Alanis and to this program.

[@lilithfaere]

Such a joy to watch. I love her. Keep on being you, Alanis.

[@ImaniTolliver]

I’ve always loved her, it’s beautiful to see her now. Magnificent spirit!

[@frandp5729]

Alanis has the perfect voice and gestures for ASMR 💕

[@LivSal22]

Thank you Alanis! You’ve been an ally to me for more than 2 decades. I continue to learn & be inspired by you- your albums have always come to me in times of great need,; you have kept the light blazing in so many eyes- offered solace and courage and peace to so many of us. Thank you for being a friend! 🙏🏾👌🏾✊🏾🌈🦄 #iAm🍁

[@discoveryjo1568]

Love her as a musician but now that ive known we share the same love non-fiction books. Urrgg! I just adore her! 💕💖🥰

[@chelseab.2706]

❤❤ I see Alanis and I click. Love you girl! So much respect!

[@kristina_lynn]

When I saw alanis had this library I thought “of course she does” DREAM LIBRARY!!

[@bridgei3_butterfly95]

I L

[@pauli5601]

Having seen your journey and how much you've grown is a privilege. You're an inspiration and a real woman. Thanks 🙏

[@tompina4598]

I can listen to Alanis speak all day everyday on any topic. She is a friend to all and that I find amazing about her. I will have to pick up a few of the books she showed us. Thank you!

[@maidenmonster2589]

Alanis songs make me weep out of sheer recognition. I admire you so much! Thank you for sharing your talent for music and song as well as intelligence and spirituality. You are a modern day guru. 🙏🏼

[@georgina1848]

Loyal fan since a teen in the early 90s till now. What an amazing artist. You spoke for me through your lyrics when I could not find the words.

[@irenelopez8745]

This was AMAZING I thought I was the only one who has a library in her Family room and bedroom🙏💕🙋🏻‍♀️💯📚

[@patriciacanale6766]

I love her sooooo much. She knocked me out in the 90’s with Jagged little pill- an album that had a profound effect on me as a young girl. And all her albums have really profound messages. She is such a light and talent and i am so happy to see her thriving!

[@raysafregona2413]

I loved all the recommendations! Thank you, Alanis.

[@925greenb]

An inspiration Alanis. I love your openess, your beaming smile and the positive energy you give to humanity. Love to you and your gorgeous family ❤

[@Mr.Magic4ever]

She is the absolute BEST!!!I love her so much!!!💖💖💖💖

[@beebop3734]

I’ve just found out that I wanna be friends with Alanis Morrisette 🖤

[@adrianac3258]

Her music and her being are so Inspiring !

[@ericprentice3032]

Uuuuugggghhh her library is GOALS!!!!!

[@sonatak304]

That's such thoughtful content. Finally! Thanks for making this video.

[@alluxter]

Ah what a wonderful surprisingly joyous and relatable, vulnerable and endearing video!

[@suzanneboily5224]

You amaze me! I love books as much as you. I love the feel and touch.And life in whole! 💖💖Thanks for sharing!

[@katiasoleil7043]

Gosh, I love this woman so much. She's such an inspiration to me.

[@michellewenner9]

I'm sure you've heard this countless times but it is so true: you are my spirit animal! Sending so much love and gratitude! ❤

[@newricoyorkonsoli5193]

Awesome! And great recommendations!!! Love Alanis for ever

[@suzipetito6955]

All I can say - out loud - is WOW!! Alanis is inspiring. More, More, More

[@theresakline3274]

Yes Alanis for coming through with these beautiful full bookcases! 😍🤓😍

[@RachelParker-1977]

Alanis has been my favorite musical artist since Jagged Little Pill was released in America. I absolutely adore her! Her library is my goal. Thank you, Marie Claire for this interview and thank you, Alanis! She casually mentioned some lyrics as she was speaking. She is so stimulating.

[@marieclaire]

Thanks for watching! We're pretty enamored with her shelves as well 📚

[@moonsong2118]

I love Alanis more than I ever have. I’ve always liked her but after watching this, she is like an inspiring role model. She is amazing and her library is beautiful!!! Books are knowledge, understanding, love, beauty, joy, compassion. Books do so much for us. Thank you for this video 🙏🏻💜

[@trinidiana]

She has a lovely brother too who teaches yoga

[@stenaglia5753]

Library goals!

[@raomzk]

Singer, musician, composer, artist and reader ♥ This woman is incredible!

[@paplukas]

I love u Alanis, since i was a child i felt conected to You, now i hear u many yars later, being a mom and i still feel it, also unschooling, and practicing yoga, going to the most healthy thinngs and healing, being so atracted to the same knoledge, it's really beutifull to hear, see and fell u, thank u, from Argentina

[@jamisedenari2449]

Omg... She's an hsp! I know I felt a connection with her when I was little just didn't know why

[@valerierobinsonreadings8779]

Me too!

[@KatieKamala]

Yes I was a fast fan of her music 25 years ago and happy she is back in the public eye expressing herself and making new music.

[@kbnyc]

Yes!! Love knowing other HSP’s!!

[@jamisedenari2449]

@M J highly sensitive persons

[@samanthajoy1]

Always loved her 🥰 I love her even more 🥰

[@mariadelmar5886]

Brilliant book recommendations! Thanks Alanis M. and Marie Claire💗

[@kristafoley]

I LOVE this. I love her more and more, such a insightful interview. Love her library! I'm going to look into the Highly Sensitive Person. I love her talk about homeschooling and nursing and can relate to her so much. Thank you for this!

[@grace010278]

I wish this was longer! So good