Susan Choi, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of multiple novels, revisits her early literary inspirations and reveals how some authors have become lifelong detractors. Choi's association with Dickens, for instance, was rooted in his infamous Christmas TV specials – an image that had become synonymous with the writer.
As a teenager, Choi discovered the works of Donald Barthelme, whose stories awakened her to the world of art and literature. However, it wasn't until reading Sigrid Nunez's short story 'Chang' that Choi realized the significance of multiracial characters in fiction. The experience sparked a reevaluation of her own writing tendencies, which she now acknowledges as being influenced by predominantly white literary models.
On the other hand, novels like Stuart Little and Mary Norton's The Borrowers series continue to captivate Choi, with their focus on miniatures evoking a sense of wonder and curiosity. Similarly, Choi has always been drawn to the distinct voice of Virginia Woolf, as evident in To the Lighthouse, which she has come to admire for its lyrical prose.
F Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is another author whose works have gained a new appreciation from Choi. Despite initial dislike at school, the novel now resonates with her, serving as a comfort read that never fails to hit the spot.
Choi's journey as an author has also led her back to Charles Dickens, whom she had previously associated with unbearable Christmas TV specials. Instead, it was during the pandemic when she finally sat down and devoured Bleak House for the first time, experiencing one of the greatest reading experiences of her life.
In contrast, authors like Tom Robbins have lost their appeal over time, as their works now evoke feelings of discomfort, particularly after reading through some titles that made her cringe. On the other hand, Homer's Odyssey has recently become a newfound fascination for Choi, with its epic narrative captivating her imagination and prompting a desire to re-read in different translations.
Choi's eclectic literary tastes underscore the complexity of her writing journey, as she reflects on how various authors have shaped her understanding of literature and her own identity.
As a teenager, Choi discovered the works of Donald Barthelme, whose stories awakened her to the world of art and literature. However, it wasn't until reading Sigrid Nunez's short story 'Chang' that Choi realized the significance of multiracial characters in fiction. The experience sparked a reevaluation of her own writing tendencies, which she now acknowledges as being influenced by predominantly white literary models.
On the other hand, novels like Stuart Little and Mary Norton's The Borrowers series continue to captivate Choi, with their focus on miniatures evoking a sense of wonder and curiosity. Similarly, Choi has always been drawn to the distinct voice of Virginia Woolf, as evident in To the Lighthouse, which she has come to admire for its lyrical prose.
F Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is another author whose works have gained a new appreciation from Choi. Despite initial dislike at school, the novel now resonates with her, serving as a comfort read that never fails to hit the spot.
Choi's journey as an author has also led her back to Charles Dickens, whom she had previously associated with unbearable Christmas TV specials. Instead, it was during the pandemic when she finally sat down and devoured Bleak House for the first time, experiencing one of the greatest reading experiences of her life.
In contrast, authors like Tom Robbins have lost their appeal over time, as their works now evoke feelings of discomfort, particularly after reading through some titles that made her cringe. On the other hand, Homer's Odyssey has recently become a newfound fascination for Choi, with its epic narrative captivating her imagination and prompting a desire to re-read in different translations.
Choi's eclectic literary tastes underscore the complexity of her writing journey, as she reflects on how various authors have shaped her understanding of literature and her own identity.
Susan Choi's take on her literary influences is refreshing. I love that she acknowledges the significance of diverse voices in fiction, like Sigrid Nunez's 'Chang'. It's a reminder that our writing tastes are shaped by our experiences & surroundings 
. The fact that her opinions about authors have shifted over time, too, highlights the complexity of literary appreciation and personal growth 
. One thing I'm curious about is how she navigates representation in her own work – does she feel pressure to include more diverse perspectives or has she found a balance?
. I mean, who hasn't been there? But what's really interesting is how her tastes have evolved over time - from Tom Robbins to Homer's Odyssey, it's like she's discovering new authors and stories that speak to her on a deeper level 
! I mean, who wouldn't want to revisit the world of art and literature that Donald Barthelme created? But it's crazy how she realized that some authors were influencing her writing in ways she didn't even realize 
. I can relate when it comes to feeling like you've grown out of a favorite book or author - sometimes it takes being an adult (or in Choi's case, revisiting old favorites during the pandemic) to truly appreciate them again 
.
. It's all about growth and self-awareness, right? 
like, who hasn't had one of those authors they grew up loving but then realized wasn't as cool once you got older, right? anyway, it's so cool that she's finally fallen in love with Bleak House – I mean, that's a classic! 
. And what's up with her obsession with Dickens? Is it because he's just the ultimate Christmas cookie cutter, huh? 
Guess you could say she finally found a reason to sit through those infamous TV specials... but let's be real, I'm still gonna binge-watch them all for my holiday spirit