Michael Schur might best be known as the brilliant comedic mind behind beloved shows like Parks & Rec, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Good Place, but he's also a voracious reader.
In honor of his own new book, How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question, available now, the television producer gave us a peek at his stacked bookshelves in Marie Claire's "Shelf Portrait." Schur considers Toni Morrison's Beloved and David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest (of which he owns several copies, including one that's autographed personally for him) among his most recommended reads.
But while you could snag those titles at most bookstores, his first-edition finds of philosophy books like The Subjection of Women (published in 1869) and The Mayor of Casterbridge (published in 1886) are proof Schur is a bonafide book collector. (Fun fact: the latter of the two books was the inspiration behind Ben Wyatt, the Parks and Recreation character played by Adam Scott.)
Watch Schur's bookshelf tour and then order his book, which he explains is a practical—but still funny!—guide to "using philosophy and ethics to be a better person." Not to mention, Schur is donating 100 percent of proceeds from book sales to charity—what else would you expect from TV's leading authority on morality?
-
The Best Spring 2025 Color Trends Are on Sale at NordstromFrom cherry red to butter yellow, here are the delectable shades to wear this season.
-
Khloé Kardashian Finds It "Insulting" When Kendall and Kylie Are Called Her Half-SistersIn fact, she "despises" it.
-
Hailey Bieber Prowls Through Paris in a Snow Leopard CoatThe beauty mogul dug a rare Saint Laurent piece out of storage for her whirlwind fashion week trip.
-
The Melancholic Sound of SuccessThe artist known as Japanese Breakfast opens up about finding her sound on a new album after experiencing whirlwind success.
-
Every Jennifer Weiner Novel, Ranked—From 'Good in Bed' to 'In Her Shoes'All hail the queen of beach reads!
-
The 28 Best Romantasy Books to Read in 2025Here's what to read when you've devoured the 'ACOTAR' and 'Empyrean' series.
-
Mary Ellen Matthews Is the Woman Behind Every Portrait on 'Saturday Night Live' Since 1999The late-night show's resident photographer shares her favorite memories and insights from shooting all the talent who come through Studio 8H.
-
13 Books About Breakups That Will Remind You Not to Text Your ExAllow these novels about heartbreak to help you heal.
-
Every Taylor Jenkins Reid Book, Ranked—From 'Daisy Jones & the Six' to 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo'Here's what to read before 'Atmosphere' hits shelves later this year.
-
15 Romance Novels We Can't Wait to Read in 2025We can't wait to read these new books from Abby Jimenez, Emily Henry, Jasmine Guillory, and more.
-
'Children of Blood and Bone' Movie: Everything We Know About the Cast and Release DateYou won't believe how many A-listers have joined the cast of this book-to-screen adaptation.
