Professional pickleball players are always traveling for tournaments, clinics and personal appearances, so reading and listening to audiobooks is a perfect way to decompress.

Ben Johns is an avid reader, and he’s certainly not the only pickleball athlete with an affinity for the written word.

Here are some books that players are enjoying right now:

Christian Alshon

Christian prefers to read non-fiction and self-development books, along with the occasional fiction bestseller.    

“I’m currently reading an iconic book, The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey,” he said. “I recently read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I just looked up top entertaining books because I read so many non-fiction, self-development, and sports psychology books that they get repetitive and boring, so I try to keep reading fun. Every now and then, I throw in a fictional and entertaining book, like for variety. I also read The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.”

Christian's must-read book, meanwhile, shouldn't come as a surprise.

“It's Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. It’s the best book I’ve ever read in my life. It brought me to tears at least four times while reading it,” he said. “It’s an emotional story, but everyone should read it.”

Parris Todd

Parris shared her personal recommendations in the Christian non-fiction genre.

“I have quiet time every morning. I pray, read the bible, and I read different Christian books every single day. I probably finish a book or two a month because I like to take my time on them,” said Todd. “I really like Lee Strobel. I think he’s really good for people who are curious about Christ, and he writes a lot of good books. I recommend just looking him up and then from there figuring out which book or topic resonates with you the most.”  

Alex Walker

For romance readers, Alex is your girl. 

“I’m currently reading Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover and it’s been good so far. I like romance and fantasy, and I just read Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros,” said Walker. 

Alex also has a library card and a book club with her friends.  

“At book club, we all read Fourth Wing where we all picked our dragons, made food that went with the book, and had a girl’s night. It was so much fun,” she mentioned. 

Ben Johns

For all things fantasy, Ben is your go-to guy. 

“I listen to a lot of audiobooks because of traveling. I’m currently reading Dune for the third time. I read it once in high school, another time in college, and now I’m reading it again before the next movie comes out,” he said. 

He also just finished Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros, too. 

I think it’s time we start a pro pickleball book club. 

Did you know that Ben is one of the biggest fantasy readers on tour? Check out An inside look: Ben Johns’ passion for fantasy literature to learn more.

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