"My Education," by Susan Choi
Jeff Glor talks to Susan Choi about, "My Education."
Jeff Glor: What inspired you to write the book?
Susan Choi: I wanted to write a book about reckless youth -- and about hopefully outgrowing it.
JG: What surprised you the most during the writing process?
SC: I was constantly surprised by the directions the plot took. I don't work with an outline, I start with characters and a situation, and so the plot developments were as surprising to me as I hope they will be to readers.
JG: What would you be doing if you weren't a writer?
SC: Great question! It's hard to know what I would actually be doing in a parallel life in which I'm not a writer, but I can tell you that I often fantasize about some sort of job that would combine time outdoors in a beautiful place with doing something good for the world. Wildlife conservation? Tree-planting? Maybe that'll be my 'second act.'
JG: What else are you reading right now?
SC: I'm tearing through Anne Enright's most recent novel, "The Forgotten Waltz."
JG: What's next for you?
SC: Writing-wise, I'm not sure yet. It usually takes me quite a lot of floundering around before I have a new idea. In the meantime I'll be teaching, and helping my kids navigate first and fourth grades -- and maybe reorganizing the closets.
For more on "My Education," visit the Penguin Group website.
