Lesley Kagen (Land of a Hundred Wonders) has some interesting theories on why people read and more... In this month's 1-On-One!

Is it possible to be a good writer without being a good reader?

Gosh, that’s sort of like trying to mother without having been a child.  I’m not sure what I would use as a point of reference. 

According to a report of the Independent Book Publishing Association, over five million American adults belong to reading groups. What, do you believe, is the basis for this country’s love for literature and books?

Children love stories.  Reading is our first escape into fantasy.  As adults, I think books help us reconnect with the child within.  We can be swept away into a world of wonder and awe where we can be detectives or mountain climbers or circus performers.  I think we also use books to solve problems.  To see how somebody else is dealing with the same set of circumstances we are.  Stories of all kinds make us feel less like islands and more like atolls.

Have you ever belonged to a reading group?

Since I spend much of my time visiting with book clubs these days, I feel like I belong to a hundred reading groups.  Each with their own special personalities, their own interests.  All with excellent food and drink!

What advice do you have for reading group members when it comes to selecting books for discussion?

First off, they should all read Whistling In the Dark and Land of a Hundred Wonders.  (Laugh)  I think it important to have a good mix of subject matter.  Deep and dark to light and frothy.  Try to hit as many areas of interest to the group as possible.

What book(s) are you reading now or planning to read?

I’m reading poetry by Billy Collins.  Also, Alice Sebold’s Almost Moon.  I’m a huge fan of Leif Enger’s and will probably re-read So Brave, Young, and Handsome at my earliest opportunity.

If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only bring one book with you to read, what would it be and why?

How to Build a Boat Out of Palm Fronds.

If you could have dinner with 3 writers (dead or alive) who would they be and why?

Harper Lee:  I’d like to ask her why she hasn’t written a second book.
Robert B. Parker: I’d like to tell him how much enjoyment he’s given me over the last thirty years.
Anne Lamott:  She’s a wonderful, soulful, funny writer that I greatly admire.   

Have you ever read anything you're too embarrassed to admit (except in this interview)?

(Laugh)  I don’t really get embarrassed.

Favorite book when you were a child?

Black Beauty

If you have children, is this the same book you read to them?  If not, what is your favorite book for your children?

My children are grown now, but when they were little things, my daughter loved The Boxcar Children.  And my son and I read every single Goosebumps book together. 

Favorite heroine in literature and why?

Scout Finch.  I adored her spunk. 

Favorite hero in literature and why?

Atticus Finch.  My father died when I was young and Atticus was my favorite fantasy father. His strength, his wisdom and morality made me cry.

Book that changed your life?

I think every book I’ve ever read has changed me in some way. 

Words to live by?

Be kind.  And remember your sense of humor.

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