Meg Wolitzer isn’t just a novelist: She’s a second-generation one. She grew up on Long Island, the daughter of “Hearts” author Hilma Wolitzer. Having a famous writer for a mother wasn’t intimidating, says Meg, whose book, “The Interestings,” about a group of bright young things who want to be somebodies, follows her best-sellers “The Wife,” “The Position” and “This is Your Life,” that last of which was the basis of a Nora Ephron film. “It wasn’t that writing seemed fun,” she says of watching her mom at work, “but it was something I wanted to do, and she was very supportive.” So was the first-grade teacher who wrote down the stories Meg dictated. While neither of her two sons plans to write, she says, they love to read. Here’s what’s in her library.
Mrs. Bridge
by Evan S. Connell
Lots of writers I know worship this book! It’s a novel about a Kansas City housewife — it was made into the Paul Newman-Joanne Woodward film, “Mr. and Mrs. Bridge” — and it’s one of the funniest, most wonderful books I’ve ever read. My mother told me to read this book, so I see it as a really great hand-me-down.
Pain, Parties, Work: Sylvia Plath
in New York, Summer 1953
by Elizabeth Winder
It may not give you any new critical insights into “The Bell Jar,” but if you’re a Plath fan, you’ll be drawn into the summer she spent as a “guest editor” at the now-defunct magazine Mademoiselle. I, too, was a guest editor there, part of the last group, in 1979. The world of ’50s NYC, in all its glamour, is irresistible reading.
The Mothers
by Jennifer Gilmore
Jennifer’s become a good friend — our books came out on the same day. She went through some of the experiences she writes about, the so-called “open adoption,” but I feel the character here isn’t really her. This book, about the pain and singlemindedness of a desire, was a really intense reading experience.
Scribble Scribble
by Nora Ephron
If you’ve never read Nora Ephron’s early essays, you are in for deep pleasure. And if you have read them, it’s time to re-read this extraordinary collection — smart, skewering, unforgettable. Nora was incredibly warm and welcoming to other writers. She was a lot of fun to be with — and she made her own ricotta [cheese]. What else can you ask for?