Henry Winkler’s Inspiring Literary Journey
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NEED TO KNOW
- Henry Winkler recently published his 40th book
- The Happy Days alum told Page Six he first started reading at age 31 because his dyslexia made it challenging and he was at times “afraid to read”
- Winkler shared some of his all-time favorite reads, ranging from twisty thrillers to his own books of personal significance
Henry Winkler finds comfort in reading — and writing — a good book.
The Happy Days alum has forged a long career in writing children’s books, penning numerous New York Times bestsellers including the kids’ Hank Zipzer series, which is loosely based on his own life. But before that, the actor told Page Six, Winkler was “afraid to read” due to his challenges with dyslexia.
At age 31, Winkler “wanted so badly to read like everybody else,” so he picked up a novel and slowly made his way through.
“Every book I read is on [my] shelf, it’s like a triumph,” Winkler said. “Each one is a celebration.”
Amulet Books
The author and actor recently celebrated the release of his 40th book, Detective Duck: The Mystery at Emerald Pond, on Sept. 30 — the third in the Detective Duck series.
To mark the milestone, Winkler shared with Page Six his favorite books from over the years.
‘The Clan of the Cave Bear’ by Jean M. Auel
The Clan of the Cave Bear was Winkler’s first novel – the one that helped him become the reader he is today. The tale follows a young girl named Ayla through an unfamiliar world in the Ice Age. It got Winkler thinking about how the first human beings existed alongside each other, and how the book’s message remains relevant now.
‘Niagara Falls, or Does it?’ by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
The first in Winkler’s Hank Zipzer series (and his first published work!), Niagara Falls, Or Does It? is loosely inspired by Winkler’s childhood navigating a learning difference. The children’s book follows Hank, who “loves science, but hates the report part,” as he dismantles his TV for a project and soon finds himself in trouble.
This is one of Winkler’s favorites because it made him an author — a huge achievement that he remembers vividly. “I just held this book and I couldn’t believe it that my name was on it.”
‘The Rembrandt Affair’ by Daniel Silva
A story about a stolen painting and a gruesome murder, The Rembrandt Affair raises important questions about politicians and the powerful people in the world, Winkler said. Though the book was written 15 years ago, Winkler adds that its themes are still directly applicable to the current political climate.
‘The Mark of the Assassin’ by Daniel Silva
The Mark of the Assassin was one of the novels that got Winkler hooked on the author, Daniel Silva. “He writes great thrillers, and somehow my dyslexic mind enjoys or is held by the core of the thriller,” he said.
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