Today's Read Contributor Dua Lipa, the pop sensation behind chart-toppers like New Rules and Levitating, has ventured into the world of literature and podcasting with her Service95 Book Club. Since its launch in 2024, the podcast has attracted significant attention for its blend of celebrity charm, literary discussions, and Lipa’s own reflections on the books that have shaped her life. Yet, despite its initial popularity, the podcast has received a mixed reception, with some critics questioning its depth and substance.
A New Kind of Literary Podcast
Service95 Book Club is a natural extension of Lipa’s Service95 platform, which she initially created as a newsletter to share her personal recommendations, cultural insights, and reflections on everything from food to fashion. The podcast was born out of the desire to bring her audience closer to the books and authors she’s passionate about. Lipa, who is known for her advocacy of self-expression and empowerment, has used her platform to showcase writers who challenge norms, explore personal growth, and engage in bold storytelling.
On each episode, Lipa engages in discussions with authors, book critics, and celebrities about the books that inspire them. One of the more highly anticipated episodes featured poet-novelist Ocean Vuong, author of On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, a book that has garnered critical acclaim for its lyrical prose and exploration of identity, love, and family. In this particular episode, Lipa and Vuong discuss the themes of the book and reflect on the power of writing to heal and connect people.
While the podcast aims to foster a more casual, relatable conversation around literature, it has quickly gained a reputation for leaning heavily on the celebrity status of its hosts and guests, rather than offering deep literary analysis. Lipa’s background as a pop star gives the show a unique angle, but it’s also what some critics believe might hinder its full potential as a serious literary podcast.
Criticisms of Service95 Book Club
Service95 Book Club has, unsurprisingly, drawn a significant fanbase, especially among younger readers who are attracted to Lipa’s vibrant personality and relatable public image. However, some literary critics have voiced concerns about the podcast’s lack of depth. A review published by The Times highlighted the fact that while the podcast brings in big-name celebrities, the conversations often fail to dive into the intricate details of the books discussed. Critics suggest that the show is more focused on the personalities of the guests rather than offering meaningful or detailed conversations about the craft of writing, the themes of the books, or their cultural significance.
The review also pointed out that Lipa, while charismatic and passionate, sometimes steers the conversation toward more superficial topics, such as her personal feelings about the book, rather than engaging in a thoughtful exploration of its literary merit. This has led some listeners to feel that the podcast, despite its star power, doesn’t offer enough substance to rival more established literary podcasts.
“The Service95 Book Club has the potential to become something unique in the literary world, but right now it feels more like a celebrity chat with a bookish twist,” said literary critic Mara Simmons. “The episodes often seem to prioritize entertainment over intellectual engagement, and while that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s hard to find depth in these conversations.”
Another criticism of the podcast is its occasional tendency to veer into celebrity self-promotion. Lipa’s role as the host naturally draws attention to her own life, interests, and experiences. While this is expected in a celebrity-driven podcast, some listeners have found the focus on Lipa’s career and her personal anecdotes to be a distraction from the central purpose of the show: to engage deeply with literature.
Praise for Lipa’s Enthusiasm and Relatability
Despite these criticisms, the Service95 Book Club also has a significant fan following, particularly among young people who may not typically gravitate toward traditional literary podcasts. Lipa’s enthusiasm for literature and her efforts to make reading more accessible to a younger audience are widely praised. Her ability to introduce new books and authors to a mainstream audience is a noteworthy accomplishment, especially for those who might otherwise overlook literary discussions.
“I love how Dua makes books feel fun and approachable,” said Sarah Miller, a listener from London. “She doesn’t try to sound too academic or exclusive. She just brings her joy and passion for the books she’s discussing, and that makes me want to read more. I might not be a hardcore literary critic, but I enjoy hearing from people who love books as much as she does.”
Moreover, Lipa’s guests have been another highlight of the podcast. While some of the episodes may have missed the mark in terms of in-depth analysis, the interactions between Lipa and her guests are often described as genuine and heartwarming. In particular, Lipa’s discussions with authors such as Yaa Gyasi, Colson Whitehead, and Margaret Atwood have provided fresh insights into their works, even if the conversation doesn’t delve into the minutiae of their writing processes.
The Future of Service95 Book Club
So, where does Service95 Book Club go from here? Lipa’s star power is undeniable, and her ability to bring high-profile guests onto the show is one of its biggest draws. However, in order to maintain and grow its listener base, the podcast may need to evolve. Critics have suggested that the show would benefit from a more structured approach to its literary discussions, diving deeper into the themes, historical contexts, and narrative techniques that define the books Lipa and her guests discuss.
Another potential avenue for growth is a more diverse range of book genres. While Lipa has primarily focused on contemporary fiction and memoirs, there is room to explore other areas of literature, such as poetry, genre fiction, and non-fiction works. A greater emphasis on lesser-known authors and underrepresented voices in literature could also help the podcast stand out in a crowded market.
Lipa herself seems to be aware of the podcast’s potential for growth. In recent interviews, she has expressed a desire to broaden the scope of Service95 Book Club and incorporate more diverse perspectives. Whether or not she can transform the podcast into a more serious literary endeavor remains to be seen, but her enthusiasm for books is likely to continue resonating with her audience.
Conclusion: Is Service95 Book Club the Future of Literary Podcasts?
While the reviews for Service95 Book Club have been mixed, there’s no denying that Dua Lipa’s podcast has struck a chord with a certain demographic. The show’s blend of celebrity charm, literary enthusiasm, and casual conversation has introduced a new generation of listeners to the world of books. However, for those seeking deeper literary analysis and critical discussion, the podcast may fall short of expectations.
Ultimately, Service95 Book Club is carving out a niche for itself in the literary world—one where books and celebrity culture collide in a way that’s both accessible and entertaining. Whether it evolves into a more intellectual podcast or remains a platform for Lipa’s personal exploration of literature, it’s clear that the Service95 Book Club has already left a mark on the podcasting landscape.
