Mad Men Reading List

When it comes to Henry Francis, you'll find that he's all straight laced. This is a man whose style hasn't changed much over the seasons season, and whose character remains consistently sensible, mature and maybe even stern at times. So when he's seen reading Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, its a bit of a surprise. Was he reading it because he deeply identified with the playful character? Or was it because he wanted a best friend to fool around with, and be rowdy for once? We'll never know.

For the philandering, lying, unlikable Don Draper (though very handsome, Jon Hamm we give you that!), Dante's Inferno is the perfect pick to juxtapose next to his downward spiral. His fears of his secret identity, and his ever growing dependency on alcohol was frightful yet delightful at the same time to watch. Just like reading Dante's Inferno.

Yes, secretary Joan Harris seems like the type who would indulge in a good smutty erotica during a quick lunchtime sesh. Don't judge, this was the era's version of 50 Shades. It was banned at some point in time too! But what we can appreciate is Joan's sophisticated choice. At a time where women played second fiddle, she took charge. And even though yes, you can say she's /just/ a secretary, we think she took that job very seriously, and with traits that some men in the company could learn a thing or two as well.

For Betty Draper, it's no surprise that she'd first of all, pick an underrated read by a famous author. And second of all, one about the disillusioned lives seeking for something more. Wait, sounds real familiar, doesn't it? Betty Draper had a lacklustre life in the first few seasons, giving up her modelling job to be a stay home mom (who look fabulous, we won't lie). But it's clear that despite how shallow she seems about everything, her soul yearns for something a lot more.

Lane Pryce is the strict, high brow, London bred ex-veteran of the company. So like Henry Francis, we were surprised to see him read all about Tom Sawyer.

Oh sweet Sally Draper. The daughter of Don and Betty Draper was one we saw grow up. From a wee toddler, to a tough tween and finally a sensible though rebellious teenager. Sally Draper has had a tough childhood - not by poverty or through any lack of material goods, but by her dysfunctional parents who seem more into themselves than into their children. Her choice of such a difficult, serious and atypical book certainly marks how special she is.

And she ranks second in the series with the most amount of books picked up (first is Don), so we'd like to think that she's a nerdy bookworm as well. :D