Boardroom battles, Walt's chili, and a magic time machine
Three favorite Disney non-fiction books for summer reading
Happy Wednesday, readers! We’re now halfway through the year (how???), and nothing screams summer quite like a list of books. Luckily for us, there’s no shortage of Disney-related books so I thought this would be an opportune time to share some of my favorites with y’all.
I spent quite a bit of time pondering over what to include on this list and ultimately settled on three picks that should appeal to most Disney fans. We’ve got some history, a dash of drama, and a fun, niche topic for those who want to do a lil’ spiraling (shoots hand into the air).
With that said, let’s begin!
1. Disney War by James B. Stewart
This is the book that I recommend to just about anyone who expresses some kind of interest in Disney. You love the parks? Read Disney War. You’re curious about how the pixie-dusted sausage is made? Read Disney War. You appreciate Michael Eisner’s 1990s crewneck-and-sneakers swagger? Read Disney War.
At almost 600 pages, it’s a lengthy ride but boy, is it a fascinating one. Stewart, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, chronicles the rise and fall of Michael Eisner in his role as Disney Chairman and CEO, along with the internal upheavals that plagued the company during a time of monumental growth and brand evolution.
More broadly though, Disney War explores what happens at the crossroads of creativity, personality, and business acumen. It’s as dramatic as one would think, and you might have to pick your jaw up from the floor a few times. I’ve been saying this for years, but HBO needs to adapt it into a series. It’s that good.
For as many players involved, the writing and strategic storytelling are outstanding. The pacing is spot-on, and there were many occasions where I was chomping at the bit to get my paws back on the book. Disney War will change how you view the company and their operations, but not in a for-better or for-worse kind of way. Rather, it provides context and nuance to a world that generally strikes readers as unfamiliar and out of reach but also one that they regularly engage with in some form or another.
Seriously, just read it (and let me know your thoughts afterwards!).
Where to find it: Bookshop.org | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Libro.fm | Audible
2. Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food by Marcy Carriker Smothers
This book is so much fun. It’s essentially a biography of Walt Disney told through food. Eat Like Walt is published by Disney Editions, so you already know the photos and supporting material are going to be top-notch and straight from the Walt Disney Archives. Like, one of Marcy’s connections absolutely got Becky Cline on the horn and said, “Look, I know this is…an ask but we need all the vintage Disneyland restaurant and Studios cafeteria menus and intel on Disney family dishes and recipes. Please.” It’s a feast for the eyes.
But more than that, the book illustrates how elements of Walt’s life - his rituals, relationships, and creative vocation - were so deeply intertwined with his enjoyment of food. Eat Like Walt is one of the most unique books you’ll ever read, and it’ll surely make you hungry!
Where to find it: Bookshop.org | Barnes and Noble | Amazon
3. The Disneyland Story: The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney’s Dream by Sam Gennawey
If you’re looking for a book that guides readers through a comprehensive history of Disneyland, this is it. The Disneyland Story details just how Walt’s first theme park was dreamed up, constructed, and maintained to ultimately become a beacon of joy for so many visitors around the world.
My lil’ geographer heart was delighted to learn the specifics of how Walt and his team chose Anaheim as the home for Disneyland. The maps, the data, the forecasting! All during a time when Anaheim was still a sleepy ole town with more orange trees than people. Not only that, but it was fascinating to follow the evolution of Anaheim once the park opened. Where there’s Disney, people will follow!
Along with all that fun stuff, we also get some background into the many personalities and tensions that surfaced throughout the birth of Disneyland, which is always a treat because I sure do love a hearty dosage of drama (see Disney War above).
Overall, The Disneyland Story is a great selection for any breed of Disney fan. It’s filled with lots of intriguing history and context while still being easily digestible. If you’re interested in how this wonderful place came to be or have a Disneyland trip on the calendar, definitely consider picking this one up!
Where to find it: Bookshop.org | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Audible
Well, that’s all folks! I’m a bookworm through and through and I know many of you are too, so this is only the beginning of book-oriented posts. A wealth of knowledge exists between the pages, and so much of it can really deepen and enhance a Disney experience if we take the time to sit with it. You probably knew this was coming but, uh, that’s magic, noted.
So, do you have any book recommendations for your fellow Disney nerds? If not recommendations, are there any Disney-related books on your to-be-read list? Let us know in the comments!
See ya real soon,
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PS. Affiliate links are used in this post. They’re at no cost to you but if you do choose to use them, they give me a very small percentage of the cost of your purchase.