John Green: ‘I devoured the Sweet Valley High books in the 1980s’
The American author on being inspired by Kurt Vonnegut, coming late to Jane Austen, and the brilliance of Robert Penn Warren
TL;DR
- Early reading memories include 'The Baby-Sitters Club' and 'Sweet Valley High'.
- Gary Paulsen's 'The Island' was a favorite survival story.
- Toni Morrison's novels 'The Bluest Eye', 'Sula', and 'Song of Solomon' were transformative for the author as a teenager.
- Kurt Vonnegut's humanism significantly influenced the author's values.
- Michael Chabon's 'The Mysteries of Pittsburgh' inspired the author to become a writer.
- The author's perspective on 'The Catcher in the Rye' shifted from annoyance to understanding with adulthood.
- Rereading Lily King's 'Heart the Lover' was more enjoyable the second time.
- The author finds no need to reread Ayn Rand's works.
- Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' was discovered as an adult and is a frequent reread.
- Currently reading 'How to Build a Universe' by Dr Katie Mack to gain perspective.
- 'All the King's Men' by Robert Penn Warren is a comfort read about time and US politics.