If you're anything like us, you'll have realised just how important the library is to the gang at Litchfield Prison and, if you're anywhere past episode 2 of Season 3, you'll know that it's kind of a big talking point ATM. Over the past few years, many people have spent a lot of time musing over the show's literary offerings; there's the tumblr Books of Orange Is The New Black - although it's not been updated for this season yet. Luckily, BookRiot have picked up the reins for Season 3. Anyway, here's our faves.
Freakonomics - Stephen J. Dubner & Steven Levitt
Used by Big Boo to help Pennsatucky understand why her having six abortions was a good thing. Apparently since Roe vs Wade, the crime rate in the US has dropped considerably and Boo explains that 'by terminating those pregnancies, you spared society the scourge of your offspring. When you think about it, it’s a blessing.' Anyways. There's four Freakonomic books and a podcast. It's like going to the most interesting class you ever had a university and them some. Plug in and learn. Just like Big Boo.
ALL of David Sedaris' works
During the book funeral (which is totally beautiful by the way), Poussey and Taystee reminisce over what their favourite books are. For Poussey there's a lot, but she especially likes David Sedaris, a writer who appears on This American Life, a lot. His short story collection The Santaland Diaries is hilarious, and includes his essay about his time spent in Macy's as an elf during the Christmas period. Check out his most famous book Me Talk Pretty One Day too.
The BFG - Roald Dahl
Another book cited by Poussey as one of her faves. We're inclined to agree. From snozzcumbers to frobscottle to whizzpopping, Roald Dahl's magical way with words was one of the greatest delights of any childhood blessed with a library card and access to books. They're currently making a live action version of The BFG (Steven Spielberg's in charge, don't worry too much) but in the meantime re-read Going Solo (part two of Dahl's memoirs after Boy) for something a little bit more grown up.
Jonathan Tropper - This Is Where I Leave You
One of the many 'Jonathans' Poussey references at the book funeral, Jonathan Tropper is best known for the dysfunctional family drama This Is Where I Leave You that was turned into a film last year starring Jason Bateman, Adam Driver and Tina Fey. It's about a man at the end of his tether who's forced to sit shiva in his mother's house after his father dies along with his family made up of big personalities that struggle to mesh together. It'll make you feel a whole lot better about your family that's for sure.
Sleepwalk With Me - Mike Birbiglia
Another for the podcast fans. Mike Birbiglia is the oft-featured comedian on This American Life and The Moth who's got himself a part as Danny Pearson, the guy working for the new prison owner team. Anyways, what you might not know if that Mike wrote a book called Sleepwalk With Me, which was turned into a film last year. Anyways, it's a book of short stories about Mike's life and all the awkward and embarassing situations he's got himself into over the years.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.