Books

10 books to read if you watched ‘Babygirl’

Looking to dive deeper into stories of age-gap romances, self-acceptance, and power? These books can extend the emotional landscape “Babygirl” introduces.

Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson in "Babygirl." (Niko Tavernise/A24 via AP)

January 24, 2025

1 minute to read

If you watched “Babygirl” – an erotic thriller that explores the complexities of power, female pleasure, B.D.S.M., aging, and societal expectations on women — you may be left wanting more raw portrayals of navigating desire and self-discovery in the face of external pressures.

Directed by Halina Reijn, the film follows Romy (played by Nicole Kidman), a fifty-something high-powered CEO who begins an affair with a much younger intern (played by Harris Dickinson).

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On the surface, Romy seems to have it all: a loving husband, two happy daughters, a successful career, and loyal employees who look up to her. But beneath her perfectly primped exterior lies a dissatisfaction with sex and a hidden desire to be dominated.

Then, Samuel enters her life. He’s a disconcertingly confident young intern, unafraid to ask tough (inappropriate?) questions that toe the line between the professional and the personal, the serious and the humorous.

Romy will often hold the reins, leveraging her corporate authority as the steely elder boss. But then Samuel will take the power back, quick to remind her he can bring her entire world crumbling down if he exposes their relationship. He tromps through her life like it’s his own living room — and at one point, he actually does mosey through her house, unexpected and uninvited. She is equally terrified and thrilled by his nonchalance.

Romy’s journey of self-exploration feels both intimate and universal, touching on themes like power, aging, and gender that resonate far beyond the screen. Whether you’re looking to dive deeper into stories of age-gap romances, self-acceptance, or power, books can extend the emotional landscape “Babygirl” introduces.

Boston.com reached out to two bookstores for their recommendations: All She Wrote Books, a queer and intersectional feminist bookstore; and from Lovestruck Books, Harvard Square’s new, romance-only bookstore. Explore their book recommendations below.

Use the dropdown menu at the upper left to filter the books by genre. Hover or click on the covers to see the book’s genre and themes, as well as a short review from the booksellers themselves.

Book	Genre	Themes	Review
“By Any Other Name” by Jodi Picoult	Historical Fiction	Feminism	“While this book is not centered in the tropes we see in ‘Babygirl,’ this recent title from Picoult features a forbidden, age-gap romance that had me gasping for breath. This book is a dual point of view featuring a woman in present day New York, trying to get her play off the ground about our second main character, Emilia Bassano (one of Shakespeare’s rumored ghostwriters). Basssano’s relationship with one of the characters will have you wondering if they will stay together or if their love is too good to stay forever, while also, being just a genuinely fun book about the world of the stage.” – Ashley O’Regan, lead bookseller, Lovestruck Books
“Is She Really Going Out with Him?” by Sophie Cousens	Romance	Self-discovery, Motherhood, Divorce	“Now, this book contains a much more lighthearted start to the relationship we see in ‘Babygirl’ and adds for you not one, not two, but three love interests that you can sink your teeth into. Meet Anna Appleby as she is coming off the heat of a dumpster fire divorce and has almost resigned herself to perpetual loneliness. That is, until she comes up with an article to keep her job where her kids choose seven dates for her to go on. This book from start to finish was just fun and in my opinion (warning: not a mother and not divorced, but love the trope) was a refreshing interaction of the ‘getting back out there’ trope. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll love her kids because they were my favorite part.” – Ashley O’Regan, lead bookseller, Lovestruck Books
“Mistakes Were Made” by Meryl Wilsner	Romance	LGBTQ+, Queer, Sapphic	“This is a fabulous queer age-gap romance with plenty of steam that, in its resemblance to Romy and Samuel, had me rooting for the main couple in spite of their age gap.” – Christina Pascucci-Ciampa, owner, All She Wrote Books
“On The Island” by Tracey Garvis Graves	Romance	Survival	“What if you had an older woman/younger man dynamic, but then you added the terrifying need to survive on an abandoned island? You’d get this book. Another romance that’s a perfect next step after watching ‘Babygirl’ is ‘On The Island’ by Tracey Garvis Graves, where 30-year-old Anna Emerson tries to survive being trapped on an uninhabited island alongside recovering cancer survivor and student, TJ. This book is unlike your usual ‘meet cute’, but this book was crazy from start to finish (not just from a romance perspective)! If you need that suspense with the age-gap romance, this book will have you binge reading it as quickly as possible.” – Ashley O’Regan, lead bookseller, Lovestruck Books
“Pucking Wild” by Emily Rath	Romance	Hockey, Divorce, Body positivity	“While this is the second book in the series, trust me – it’s perfect as a stand alone. This is a ‘Why Choose’ sports romance featuring soon to be divorcée Tess Owens and her journey from crash and burn to somehow gaining a roommate in hockey star Ryan Langley. If you’re looking for a spicy next step after you leave the theater, not to worry because this book will provide it in abundance. Plus it’s the roommates trope, you can’t deny the entertainment that tension brings.” – Ashley O’Regan, lead bookseller, Lovestruck Books
“Sometimes I Trip On How Happy We Could Be” by Nichole Perkins	Nonfiction	Popular Culture, Sexuality	“Author Nichole Perkins’ former podcast Thirst Aid Kit would have had a field day with the Harris Dickinson (the actor who played Samuel in ‘Babygirl) era, and I lament its retirement often. Beyond that, Perkins’ memoir in essays explores, among other things, finding power in and through sexual relationships in a manner that echoes Romy’s exploration. In addition to sharing an appreciation for pop culture that the film undoubtedly has, Perkins affirms her status as a writer who, in the words of Saeed Jones, ‘knows that vital power lives in pleasures.’” – Amma Marfo, bookseller, All She Wrote Books
“The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Secure a Seat at the Table” by Minda Harts	Nonfiction	Business, Leadership, Power, Privilege	“The easy move would be to see the Romy and Samuel or Romy and Jacob relationships in these books. But this pick, I actually really want to give to Esme, Romy’s hungry yet persistently put-upon assistant. The spark she has, and her desire to move up, are slowed at so many turns. This book validates her experience, and offers strategies for advancement and professional growth that Black women frequently face.” – Amma Marfo, bookseller, All She Wrote Books
“The Price of Salt, or Carol” by Patricia Highsmith	Romance	LGBTQ+, Age-Gap, Sapphic, Queer	“This novel, upon which 2015’s [film] ‘Carol is based, feels like a spiritual predecessor to ‘Babygirl.’ The beautiful writing of a literary fiction novel with the compelling addictiveness of a thriller.” – Ava Budavari, bookseller, All She Wrote Books
“The Tragedy of Heterosexuality” by Jane Ward	Nonfiction	Sociology, LGBTQ+, Marriage and Family	“Provocative title, I know. But for those wondering, ‘How could Romy possibly have been unhappy with her husband Jacob?,’ you’ll find a lot of answers and valid critique in this book. It outlines the routine and structural failings of heterosexual partnerships, before offering hope for couples and partners willing to adopt the customs, norms, and mindsets inherent in queer relationships.” – Amma Marfo, bookseller, All She Wrote Books
“Want” by Gillian Anderson	Nonfiction	Sexual Fantasy, Agency, Epistolary	“If you’re like me with any film (especially an A24 film), you’re also going to want to read a non-fiction book to continue broadening your viewpoint of the film. The newest by icon and the woman I aspire to be, Gillian Anderson, is literally the perfect book that provides that while also making you feel a little more seen in your sexual fantasies. ‘Want’ by Gillian Anderson is a wonderful collection of women of all shapes, sizes, and walks of life that have one thing in common: the desires and fantasies that live rent free in our minds. This book is perfect for those of you who were in the theater watching Nicole Kidman and thought, ‘Yeah I feel seen by this.’” – Ashley O’Regan, lead bookseller, Lovestruck Books