When he’s not making movies, TV shows, podcasts, or performing in cabaret, Alan Cumming finds time to write books. He’s published a novel, a memoir, a book on photography, and several children’s books based on his beloved (and dearly departed) dogs, Honey and Leon. His latest is called Baggage, and feels a lot like having Alan Cumming as your very favorite guest at a lively dinner party. Who wouldn’t want that? For those who’ve been hiding under a rock, it was his mesmerizing performance as the emcee in Cabaret that shot Cumming  to fame in the United States. He’s had many notable roles since, from crowd pleasers like Spy Kids, to playing resident scene stealer Eli Gold, in the long running CBS courtroom drama The Good Wife. For this episode of Shelf Life he talks about Close Up, the memoir of an out gay Scottish actor, John Fraser, and After Leaving Mr. McKenzie, the 1931 novel by Jean Rhys.

Find Alan Cumming’s ten favorite books on our sister site, One Grand Books here.