The author and comedian on the immortal lines of Snoopy, discovering the heart of Homer’s Iliad and her culinary comfort read
My earliest reading memory
Harvey’s Hideout by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Lillian Hoban. Harvey is a muskrat with a grievance against his awful sibling. His sister Mildred feels just the same way. I read this at& four or five curled up& on a yellow beanbag next to& the radiator, in Bournville, where I grew up. I honestly don’t think there is a better reading spot anywhere in the world.
My favourite book growing up
Peanuts. I loved Snoopy& long before I became an author. But he is an inspiration to all& writers, sending a novel to his publishers with an immortal covering letter: “Gentlemen, enclosed is& the manuscript of my& new novel. I know you are going to like it.& In the meantime, please& send me some money so I can live& it& up.”
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