As Seth Meyers’ very first talk show guest and close friend for more than 20 years, Amy Poehler is always a joy to Late Night with Seth Meyers. The former Parks and Recreation star’s Aug. 22 appearance was extra special, as she paid tribute to Fred Armisen and the 8G Band, who made their final appearance on the show that same night. And noting the many “intellectual” guests Meyer sat with, Poehler soon announced her goal to become one of them, raving about her favorite books of 2024 (and a few she didn’t like so much).
The friends’ chat started with a funny story about her recent dinner with Rachel Dratch and Rashida Jones (presumably the same night that an adorable July 2024 TikTok starring the foursome was made). Then Poehler got down to business.
“I’ve been here a lot and I’ve been so weird and stuff, and I’m bored of it,” Poehler said with a serious expression. She explained that from now on she wants to be seen as one of Meyer’s “smart” guests, adding that “it’s related to the fact that I set myself a challenge this year to read 50 books.”
“You’re only clapping because I said so,” Poehler said to the applause of the audience, then admitted that she has read 30 books so far.
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“Are you a little behind?” asked Meyers.
“I think I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be,” Poehler replied.
“I’m just saying, if it’s August … you only have four months left,” Meyers said. “So on average, about 15 every four months?”
“How many have You read this year?” asked Poehler.
“I didn’t set myself a weird goal,” Meyers replied, as only a true best friend can.
Amy Poehler’s favorite books from her 2024 reading challenge
Poehler brought almost all the volumes with him Late at night, Starting a series of funny book reviews in the style of Show and Tell (at one point Meyers sneezed, and when Poehler asked the audience to stand and cheer, they both burst into giggles). Check out their top picks below.
Tenth December by George Saunders
“The great Tina Fey recommended it to me. We were on tour and she said, ‘You should read this. It’s a lot of short stories, so you should get it,'” Poehler said.
On all fours by Miranda July
“Great, sexy book,” Poehler enthused.
Vladimir by Julia May Jonas
In this version of Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita“A college professor becomes obsessed with a younger man. It’s really funny and good, and I highly recommend it.”
Excavations by Kate Myers
“It’s about women coming to an archaeological dig site,” Poehler said. “I love the idea of digging things up, burying things. But when you look at TikTok and see things being uncovered, I always want to know: Did they just put them there?”
Somehow: Thoughts on love by Ann Lamott
“An incredible writer. We all love Anne Lamott – she tells us about ‘carbonated holiness,'” Poehler told Meyers. “Anne Lamott is to writing what Jack Black is to singing: joyful, so talented, every time I hear or read it I want more.”
Little penguins by Cynthia Rylant
“Okay, I have to read a few more children’s books to get to 50,” Poehler admitted. “But this is a great book by Cynthia Rylant and the talented Christian Robinson, who is an incredible illustrator.”
Catch them and cook them by Bunny Day
“She shows you how to open oysters and how to look for clams at night with a flashlight,” Poehler explained.
“And have you done any of those?” asked Meyers.
“No,” Poehler replied.
Watch Amy Poehler’s full interview above to find out which two classic books not Create your favorites list and see Late Night with Seth Meyers weekdays at 12:35/11:35c on NBC, streaming the next day on Peacock.
