New York audiences have loved Allison Case as Crissy in the Tony-winning revival of Hair, singing on a truck with Jay Armstrong Johnson in Hands on a Hardbody, and stealing the heart of Adam Chanler-Berat in Fly By Night. Now she's back on Broadway as the teacher you wish you had, Miss Honey, in the award-winning blockbuster Matilda.
Who better to talk about the joys of literature than Miss Honey?! Below, Allison Case shares with BroadwayBox the five books that totally rocked her world.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Why I Chose It:I loved this book for so many reasons. It's technically a story about bullying, but it quickly becomes a story about strength, kindness and being true to yourself. I remember being so inspired by the main character, his journey, and how the kids around him stood up to do the right thing. And his dog. I loved his dog. 

 Year I Discovered It: Just this pass summer—my friend Jess recommended it to me.

Thing I remember most about the book: Never knowing who's perspective of the story you would hear until the next chapter. Thing I Remember Most About the Book: “The things we do outlast our mortality. The things we do are like monuments that people build to honor heroes after they've died. They're like the pyramids that the Egyptians built to honor the pharaohs. Only instead of being made of stone, they're made out of the memories people have of you.” (Quote from Wonder)



Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan


Why I Chose It:I don't think I've gotten through a book faster than Brain on Fire. It's one of those books that you stay up late reading because you want to get oneeee more page in. I was completely engrossed in her story and wanting to find out what was going to happen and if she was going to be okay. The love and support of her family kept reminding me what's important in tough times. In some of life's darkest moments, being surrounded and supported by the love of your family, friends and your health is really all that matters.
 Year I Discovered It: About a year ago. It was suggested to me on the goodreads app.
 Thing I Remember Most About the Book: I remember being overwhelmed with how crazy our bodies are. Just to function on a basic level is really pretty extraordinary. ESPECIALLY our brain. How complicated it actually is to have a simple thought. Ahhh!



The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein


Why I Chose It:

You could read this book fifty times and find something new each time. It can mean something completely different with each read, depending on where you are in your life. Its simplicity (yet is so complex) is very special and timeless. I can't help but feel overwhelmed with love and sadness at the same time. Year I Discovered It: When I was very young :) Thing I Remember Most About the Book: "...and she loved a little boy very, very much—even more than she loved herself..." I loved that tree. 




The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins


Why I Chose It:

I mostly read Non-Fiction and this was one of my first science fiction reading experiences. I was invested pretty fast and found myself thinking about it all the time. I finished just in time for the movie, which I also loved! 

 Year I Discovered It: The first book in the series was a prop of mine in Hands on a Hardbody. I ended up reading the book by the time we closed (after downloading it on my kindle to help get through it since I only had about 5 minutes a show to read (and was singing at the same time!)). Thing I Remember Most About the Book: RUE

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra


Why I Chose It:

It's a great quick read—and when you've finished, it’s an amazing book to keep on your shelf to look back at whenever inspired. (I feel the same about The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz) Take what you want, leave what you don't love. They are pretty powerful principles to think about, live by, or be reminded of. Year I Discovered It: I was introduced to Deepak and his books by a life coach and dear friend of mine a few years after moving to NYC. Thing I Remember Most About the Book: "...and when we realize that our true self is one of pure potentiality, we align with the power that manifests everything in the universe..."
"...everyone has a purpose in life... a unique gift or special talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of goals."

And if you think you’re feeling inspired by literature now, wait ‘til you see Allison Case in the musical adaptation of ‘Matilda’ at the Shubert Theatre.