 While the books Rachel and Joey are reading are a part of the  storyline, Ross is seen reading a book in Central Perk. Rachel and  Joey agree to read each others favorite books. Rachel reads "The  Shining" by Stephen King (I) (qv) and Joey reads "Little Women" by  Louisa May Alcott (qv). The book Ross is reading is "Race: How  Blacks & Whites Think & Feel About the American Obsession" by  Studs Terkel (qv).