5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Susan Choi: ‘I Feel I've Read Nothing but Great Books Recently'
In an email interview, the author talked about how 'Flashlight' grew out of a short story, and what it would be like to read James Joyce the way her grandfather did. SCOTT HELLER
What books are on your night stand?
This is constantly in flux, but right this minute Viet Thanh Nguyen's 'To Save and to Destroy' and Marie-Helene Bertino's 'Exit Zero.'
Describe your ideal reading experience.
I just experienced it. I had started reading Amity Gaige's absolutely riveting new novel, 'Heartwood,' and I literally could not put it down, but I had sworn to myself that I would go to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to see the cherry blossoms, because this is one of my very favorite times of the year. So then I had this huge internal struggle — blossoms or book? — which was resolved when I took the book to the blossoms.
What's the best book you've ever received as a gift?
My older son gave me Ben Lerner's 'The Hatred of Poetry' for Christmas one year, I think to express his own feelings, since I actually love poetry. Remembering this cracks me up. I don't think I've properly answered the question.
What's the last great book you read?
See under 'Heartwood,' but actually I feel I've read nothing but great books recently. I just finished André Alexis' new collection, 'Other Worlds,' and true to the title I was transported. It's incredible.
Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
