BEST AUTHOR BEST : ELDA ROTOR [1]

 

The vice president and publisher for Penguin Classics heard no debate [ and at least one '' Hell yeah '']  about including Marvel Comics in the series : '' There were gasps of excitement .''

.-  What books are on your night stand?

On my proverbial night stand - because we don't have space in our N.Y.C. apartment for an actual night stand - are '' The Gilda Stories '' by Jewelle Gomez.

'' There There,'' by Tommy Orange, '' Dictee,'' by Theresa Hak Kyung Cha.

'' Winter Solstice, '' by Nina MacLaughlin, '' Parable of the Talents,'' by Octavia Butler, ''Playlist for the Apocalypse, '' Rita Dove, '' Ninetails,'' by Sally Wen Mao, and a sprinkle of Harry Crews.

.-  What's the last great book you read?

'' Stay True,'' by Hua Hsu. When we dropped our son back at college and then visited my own college best friend, I was finishing the book and so much resonated about the various definitions of friendship he explored.

.-  What books might we be surprised to find on your shelves?

'' The Beatles Complete Chord Songbook '' [ my husband's go to ] and '' The Menopause Manifesto,'' a subject my friends and I talk about the most.

.-  What are the qualities that make you good at your job?

I get real geek joy out of learning something new. I have great respect for archival work and for writers and scholars recovering texts. I value a sense of humour and think that it helps the workday, especially when people assume we are overly serious about great literature.

.-  Was there internal debate about designating Marvel Comics as Penguin Classics?

No, if anything, there were gasps of excitement about the possibilities and at least one '' Hell yeah.''

The Publishing continues to Part 2. The World Students Society thanks The New York Times.