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    1. Culture
    2. TV shows

    Michael Schur Shares His Favorite Reads in 'Shelf Portrait'

    The 'The Good Place' creator shares which book inspired one of his most iconic TV characters.

    By Neha Prakash
    Published 2 February 2022 In Features

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    Michael Schur might best be known as the brilliant comedic mind behind beloved shows like Parks Rec, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Good Place, but he's also a voracious reader.

    How to Be Perfect book cover

    'How to Be Perfect'
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    In honor of his own new book, How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question, available now, the television producer gave us a peek at his stacked bookshelves in Marie Claire's "Shelf Portrait." Schur considers Toni Morrison's Beloved and David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest (of which he owns several copies, including one that's autographed personally for him) among his most recommended reads. 

    But while you could snag those titles at most bookstores, his first-edition finds of philosophy books like The Subjection of Women (published in 1869) and The Mayor of Casterbridge (published in 1886) are proof Schur is a bonafide book collector. (Fun fact: the latter of the two books was the inspiration behind Ben Wyatt, the Parks and Recreation character played by Adam Scott.)

    Watch Schur's bookshelf tour and then order his book, which he explains is a practical—but still funny!—guide to "using philosophy and ethics to be a better person." Not to mention, Schur is donating 100 percent of proceeds from book sales to charity—what else would you expect from TV's leading authority on morality? 

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

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    Neha Prakash
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    Entertainment Director

    Neha Prakash is Marie Claire's Entertainment Director, where she edits, writes, and ideates culture and current event features with a focus on elevating diverse voices and stories in film and television. She steers and books the brand's print and digital covers as well as oversees the talent and production on MC's video franchises like "How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?" and flagship events, including the Power Play summit. Since joining the team in early 2020, she's produced entertainment packages, helped oversee SEO content, commissioned op-eds from notable writers, and penned widely-shared celebrity profiles. She also assists with social coverage around major red carpet events, having conducted interviews at the Met Gala, Oscars, and Golden Globes. Follow her on Instagram @nehapk.

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