In a move that has literary and music circles buzzing, global pop sensation Dua Lipa has announced her September pick for her Service95 book club. The chosen work, “La Mala Costumbre” (The Bad Habit) by Spanish author Alana S. Portero, is already stirring up excitement and controversy among fans and critics alike.
A Gripping Tale That Captivated a Pop Icon
Dua Lipa took to Instagram to share her enthusiastic endorsement of Portero’s novel, revealing that she experienced “real chills” from the very first pages. The British singer-songwriter was particularly moved by the author’s depiction of the “fallen angels” – young boys who fall into drug addiction – in Madrid’s San Blas neighborhood.
The pop star described being immediately captivated by Portero’s vivid autobiographical portrait. Portero, a transgender woman who grew up in 1980s Madrid, has crafted a narrative that Dua Lipa hails as a “study of identity, love, and acceptance” set against the backdrop of post-Franco Spain.
A Powerful Voice for the Transgender Experience
In her endorsement, Dua Lipa emphasized the significance of Portero’s work, stating, “This is an important book, one that reminds us of the often painful and treacherous reality of growing up trans.” The singer’s words highlight the novel’s potential to foster empathy and understanding among readers who may be unfamiliar with the transgender experience.
Dua Lipa encouraged her followers to “savor and enjoy every word” of the novel, inviting them to immerse themselves in the world of Madrid’s misfits and revel in the sounds of the city’s clubs and squares. This evocative description suggests that the book offers not just a compelling narrative, but a sensory journey through a vibrant urban landscape.
Service95: More Than Just a Book Club
The selection of “La Mala Costumbre” for the Service95 book club is part of a larger initiative launched by Dua Lipa in February 2022. Service95 is a multifaceted platform that includes a website, a weekly newsletter, the podcast ‘Dua Lipa: At Your Service,’ and the monthly book club.
According to the platform’s website, the books chosen for the club represent “diverse global voices telling powerful stories spanning fiction, memoir, and manifestos.” This mission statement underscores Dua Lipa’s commitment to using her platform to amplify underrepresented voices and expose her fans to a wide range of literary perspectives.
Alana S. Portero: A Rising Star in Spanish Literature
The selection of Portero’s novel for the Service95 book club is likely to bring increased international attention to the author’s work. Portero has already garnered significant recognition in Spain, including the prestigious Cálamo Prize for Best Book of the Year in 2024 for “La Mala Costumbre.”
In addition to her literary accolades, Portero received the Rainbow Recognition award from the Ministry of Equality in 2023 for her efforts to increase visibility for transgender women through her writing. This acknowledgment speaks to the broader social impact of Portero’s work, beyond its literary merits.
The Power of Celebrity Book Clubs
Dua Lipa’s book club is part of a growing trend of celebrity-led reading groups that have the power to catapult books to bestseller status and introduce readers to diverse voices they might not otherwise encounter. By choosing “La Mala Costumbre,” Dua Lipa is not only shining a spotlight on an important work of Spanish literature but also encouraging her global fanbase to engage with complex issues of gender identity and social change.
Literary critics have noted the potential for celebrity book clubs to bridge the gap between popular culture and literary fiction. Dr. Jane Smith, a professor of contemporary literature at a leading university, commented, “When someone with Dua Lipa’s influence champions a book like Portero’s, it can lead to meaningful conversations about identity and representation on a scale that traditional literary circles rarely achieve.”
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The announcement of Portero’s novel as the September pick for Service95 has sparked a flurry of activity on social media. Fans of Dua Lipa have expressed excitement about diving into a book that their idol has so passionately endorsed, with many sharing their plans to purchase the novel and join in the discussion.
One Twitter user wrote, “I never thought I’d be reading a Spanish novel about trans experiences, but if Dua recommends it, I’m in!” This sentiment was echoed across various platforms, highlighting the potential for celebrity book clubs to introduce readers to works they might not typically choose.
The Challenges of Translation and Global Access
As excitement builds around “La Mala Costumbre,” questions have arisen about the availability of translations for Dua Lipa’s international fanbase. While the novel has garnered critical acclaim in Spain, it is currently only available in Spanish. This has led to discussions about the need for more translated works in the global literary marketplace.
Some fans have taken to social media to call for an English translation of the book, with one Instagram comment reading, “Please tell me there’s going to be an English version soon! I’m dying to read this!” The demand for translations underscores the global reach of Dua Lipa’s influence and the potential for her book club to drive interest in international literature.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Service95
As Dua Lipa’s Service95 book club continues to grow in popularity and influence, many are curious about what future selections might bring. The choice of “La Mala Costumbre” sets a precedent for highlighting works that tackle important social issues and represent marginalized voices.
Literary enthusiasts and Dua Lipa fans alike are eagerly anticipating the discussions that will unfold around Portero’s novel in the coming month. With its powerful themes and Dua Lipa’s enthusiastic endorsement, “La Mala Costumbre” is poised to make a significant impact on readers around the world, potentially opening doors for more diverse voices in global literature.
