Lou Reed books in order
American rock musician
- Lived
- 1942–2013
- Country
- United States
- Books
- 5
Lou Reed published 3 novels, 1 poetry collection and 1 other book, beginning with Between Thought and Expression (1991). The best-known is Pass Thru Fire (2000).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Lou Reed
Start here
Pass Thru Fire
Lou Reed's most-read book.
Standalone novels in order
Between Thought and Expression (1991)
Pass Thru Fire (2000)
The Raven (2003)
Poetry in order
Do Angels Need Haircuts? (2018)
Other books in order
Lou Reed & Metallica - Lulu (2012)
About Lou Reed
Lewis Allan Reed was an American musician, songwriter, and poet. He was the guitarist, lead singer, and principal songwriter for the rock band the Velvet Underground and had a solo career that spanned five decades. Although not commercially successful during its existence, the Velvet Underground came to be regarded as one of the most influential bands in the history of underground and alternative rock music. Reed's distinctive deadpan voice, poetic and transgressive lyrics, and experimental guitar playing were trademarks throughout his long career.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Lou Reed FAQ
- How many books has Lou Reed written?
- Lou Reed published 3 novels, 1 poetry collection and 1 other book that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Lou Reed's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Pass Thru Fire.
- What is Lou Reed's last book?
- The Raven (2003).
- What is Lou Reed's most famous book?
- Pass Thru Fire (2000) is Lou Reed's most widely read book.
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.