Micky Dolenz is a believer—in evolution. How else does a former Monkee go on to a successful solo career otherwise? He, Davy Jones and Peter Tork teamed up over the summer for a mini Monkees reunion tour, but Dolenz keeps his hand in theater, too: He was in London for the last few years playing Tracy Turnblad’s father in “Hairspray.” “They asked me to play Edna”—Tracy’s overweight mom—“but I don’t see myself in that fat suit yet,” he says. You can see him Wednesday at Planet Hollywood, when he donates a Monkees script to their mementos pile. Here’s what’s in his library.
From Dawn to Decadence
by Jacques Barzun
I’m a fan of world history, especially the period of the Renaissance — powerful, dynamic time. Many history books tend to be very factual, all about dates and land grabs and wars, but Barzun weaves in the culture, art and zeitgeist of the times.
On Human Nature
by E.O. Wilson
Unbeknownst to many, I’ve been a science geek all my life. When I lived in London in the ’70s and ’80s, I went to Open University — a correspondence course — to do physics. I thought I’d get a degree, but I didn’t. I’m fascinated by the concept Wilson more or less developed about how much biology and genes affect our behavior.
Collins Complete Woodworker’s Manual
by David Day
I’m a carpenter. I’ve always had a shop at home with sliding miters and bandsaws and drill presses. It’s kind of a getaway, my man cave. You can get books that are more specific, but this is the whole enchilada. I just built a formal bookcase for one of my daughters.
American Assassin
by Vince Flynn
I’m reading thrillers now because I’m developing a screenplay about a CIA terrorist kind of thing. I know a little about law enforcement from a good friend in the FBI, so I look for accuracy, and Vince Flynn is good at that. There’s a reason he’s No. 1 on the bestseller list! You can’t put this down.