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Is it possible to be a good writer without being a good reader? I seriously doubt it. Although I do believe that the ability to tell stories is somewhat innate. Those are two different skill sets, storytelling versus writing. 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? Near 2/3 of the people in this country are extroverts. Reading, I believe, is the ultimate introvert pastime. So if you have a need to read but are an extrovert, you join a reading group turning an introvert activity into something more fun and interactive for your type. Of course I am not suggesting that this is the only explanation. I’m sure there are countless others like the enjoyment of being in a social setting, sharing, insights and related experiences. Have you ever belonged to a reading group? No. They would kick me out very quickly. I would drive everyone crazy with not shutting up about how I would have done the book differently! What advice do you have for reading group members when it comes to selecting books for discussion? Read my book before you read anything else. Just kidding! I really don’t know since I’ve never been part of a reading group. What book(s) are you reading now or planning to read? I’m reading Overthrow by Stephen Kinzer. Next on my list is Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison. If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only bring one book with you to read, what would it be and why? The Gadfly. This book was banned in my country when I was growing up. I remember when I finally found a copy near the University of Tehran, I spent every Rial I had on the book and had to walk a distance of over two and half hours to get home because I had no money left to take the bus. Of course it’s also one of my favorite books of all time. A great story, rich characters, rich plot, very 19th century stylish writing, which I do like a lot. If you could have dinner with 3 writers (dead or alive) who would they be and why? Jack London, Emil Zola, John Steinbeck and Maxim Gorky – I know I cheated… that’s four, and I would have put Dostoevsky on the guest list if I could! These guys helped me unleash my imagination with their masterful pens. If I could have dinner with them I would ask them about their writing process, their writing challenges, their internal mental creative processes. It would be fascinating to learn what was happening in those heads! Have you ever read anything you're too embarrassed to admit (except in this interview)? I’m not embarrassed about anything I read; I just wouldn’t admit that I read them! Favorite book when you were a child Favorite first line from a book “One day back there in the good old days when I was nine and the world was full of every imaginable kind of magnificence, and life was still a delightful and mysterious dream, my cousin Mourad, who was considered crazy by everybody who knew him except me, came to my house at four in the morning and woke me up by tapping on the window of my room, Aram, he said.” —My Name Is Aram by William Saroyan Favorite last line from a book “And the instant he knew, he ceased to know.” —Martin Eden by Jack London Book that changed your life Words to Live By Running to a wolf to escape a lion!
Copyright © 2010 Reading Group Choices
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