Anna-Marie McLemore is the author of THE WEIGHT OF FEATHERS (Thomas Dunne, 2015), WHEN THE MOON WAS OURS (Thomas Dunne, 2016) and WILD BEAUTY (Feiwel Friends, 2017). Her fourth novel, BLANCA & ROJA, a magical realism reimagining of Snow-White & Rose-Red meets Swan Lake, is forthcoming from Feiwel Friends in the fall of 2018. |
I made so many of the decisions that defined my life when I was a teen. Personally, I think everyone should read YA, because YA truly has something for everyone, but for me, at least part of it is that a part of me will always be seventeen.
What YA books are you reading now?
I’m currently on a Lily Anderson streak. I’m reading her latest NOT NOW, NOT EVER, and I’m lucky enough to have an advanced copy of UNDEAD GIRL GANG. I adore the wit that shines through her writing and how she depicts friendship.
Any chance I get to sneak a chapter in! I always have a book in my purse.
What draws you to a book?
Most often, friends’ recommendations. I’m lucky to have writer friends, librarian friends, and non-book-industry friends who are avid readers.
Do you ever reread books?
Oh yes. I have ones I reread every year, but I also have moments where I think, “Yes, that book, I have to reread that book right now!” It’s almost like a food craving.
Which YA book has had the most impact on your writing?
Nova Ren Suma’s gorgeous sense of literary surrealism, Guadalupe Garcia McCall’s vivid and resonating depictions of Latina girls, and Cindy Pon’s beautiful books, which were among the first to show me that maybe one day I could write a book from my heritage.
Aisha Saeed’s WRITTEN IN THE STARS, I.W. Gregorio’s NONE OF THE ABOVE, Kelly Loy Gilbert’s PICTURE US IN THE LIGHT.