Amie McNee's Desert Island Books

Featuring the book that changed Amie's life, and the one that brought her home...

Amie McNee

has built a devoted community of readers, writers, and creatives through her honest, thoughtful posts on Instagram, where she shares the messy, beautiful, and often vulnerable realities of living a creative life.

An author, speaker, and creative coach, she originally studied medieval history, specialising in sex culture, sex work, and pornography—a background that adds a rich, fascinating edge to both her historical fiction and her non-fiction work.

Her latest book We Need Your Art is a recent favourite of mine—it’s one of those books that found me exactly when I needed it most. It’s an urgent, uplifting reminder of the importance of creativity in all its forms, tackling perfectionism, procrastination, burnout, and self-doubt with warmth and clarity. It’s also the kind of book that will make an excellent companion for anyone navigating the ups and downs of a creative life, in whatever shape they come. Do consider buying it from Bookshop.org—a better way to shop online, where every purchase supports local independent bookstores.

---

I believe in writing without a paywall—but it does take time. If you’re enjoying this post, I’d be so grateful if you considered buying me a coffee. It would absolutely make my day.

---

From the book that changed Amie’s life to the one that brought her home, read on to discover the eight books she’d take with her to the sandy shores of a desert island…

The Icarus Deception by Seth Godin

The book that changed my life! I've always believed I have asked for too much, desired too much, that I was Icarus. But Seth gave me permission to be a big dreamer. He gave me permission to break the rules and take up space and be A LOT. This book took huge amounts of shame off of my shoulders as an artist and I am indebted.

The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck

This book bought me home to myself and to who I am. I love non-fiction books that remind you of who the fuck you are. Martha has a way of gently but firmly reminding me of what a life of integrity looks like, what it looks like to truly know yourself and honour yourself. It was one of those books that left me feeling intensely vulnerable and human.

The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer

I'm noticing a theme where all the books I am thinking of brought me back to the beauty of being human. I wept through much of this book. Amanda asks us to be vulnerable, to live in community, to ask for connection. Her storytelling is so moving, so earnest.

Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber

I have always, always riled against work for work's sake. We live in a culture that worships labour, and since I was little I've had a problem with it. When I read Bullshit Jobs, I suddenly had the language to explain why I am so disturbed with our work culture. Graeber gave me permission to let go of shame and to become passionate about fighting for a world filled with meaning.

A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

Onto some fiction! Basically anything by Becky Chambers, but if I have to pick one, I'll go for A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet. It’s the kind of cozy sci-fi that cracks me open. Becky can write a character arc like no one I've read. I am so invested. I feel so delightfully snuggly. All her work delights me.

Lord of the Rings by J R R Tolkien

If possible, I’d like the audio read by Andy Circus. These books, as they are for many, are formative to who I am. I have a hobbit door tattooed on my shoulder, and I have the fellowship knitted deep into who I am.

Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

I am a big murder mystery girlie and this is my favourite. Richard is so funny, and his way with voice and tone is unsurpassed. As a writer I am deeply jealous of his ability to make me fall in love with characters.

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

I recently read Fingersmith. A queer historical fiction mystery? Yes please. I was deeply shocked multiple times during the book, the plot did things I never expected, and I love reading about women who love women.