In an email interview, she wished for “mundane” novels about polyamory, and shared what an audiobook had taught her about Elphaba. SCOTT HELLER
What kind of reader were you as a child?
I was quite a quick reader and could fly through a book. As I have gotten older, my reading speed has slowed down a bit, as has the time I have to pause and find a quiet moment to read. But it’s still one of my favorite things to do.
How have your reading tastes changed over time?
Well for starters, I can read whatever I want now, which wasn’t the case when I was a kid. I have started to really enjoy stories that allow for a deeper character arc, but I also love fairy tales and the dragon stories, much like I did as a child.
Describe your ideal reading experience (when, where, what, how).
I realize this may sound crazy, but I really love to read when I’m getting tattooed. It’s a rare opportunity where I have to be still for a certain amount of time, and I love to dive into a book and let my mind wander.
I also like reading when I’m traveling from place to place, especially if it’s a long travel time. You can also find me reading on set in between takes. Overall, I really enjoy reading whenever I have the chance, and that could be anywhere.
Tell me about a favorite character from literature who is, also, refreshingly “too much.”
Shug Avery, from “The Color Purple,” is a woman who is wounded but mutates her pain into joy. Loves hard and plays harder, somehow finds the good in the people around her. She’s the one in the story who is willing to forgive, love, fall out of love and love again. She is a mess, but isn’t that part of what it is to be human?
What book has had the greatest impact on you?
To date, it has to be Cicely Tyson’s autobiography, “Just as I Am.” I’m really connected with that one and I think it’s had a lasting impression on me. The vulnerability and truth of the title “Just as I Am” is something that I try to bring to my own life. I feel most comfortable and confident when I am true to myself and people can take it or leave it. Her autobiography was a great reminder of that — to be unapologetically you.
What’s the last great book you read?
“Pachinko.” I can’t recommend this book highly enough. It is for anyone who enjoys stories about family, love and sacrifice. Immigrant stories should be highlighted and talked about. I gravitate toward these stories as a reader, and also as an actress and producer.
Which genres do you especially enjoy reading? And which do you avoid?
I tend to avoid horror, although I do occasionally like a Stephen King novel because his stories are psychological and mystical. I love reading autobiographies and fantasies. Anything that takes me on a journey where my brain has to work to understand the characters, motivation, context. Stories that I admire or learn from are my favorite. But really no genre is off limits for me.
Which subjects do you wish more authors would write about?
I don’t think there are many fiction books about polyamorous relationships. And if there are, they are often written about as if they are salacious. So I think I would like to see more of those stories, where they are talked about in the mundane instead of a scandal.
When narrating the audiobook for “Elphie,” the “Wicked” prequel, did you learn anything new about Elphaba?
Even though I thought I knew a great deal about Elphaba already, what surprised me to learn was just how truly complicated her family dynamics and the relationships she had outside of the family were before getting to school. Elphie has suffered such great loss, which only makes my empathy for the character grow.
Narrating the audiobook also gave me more insight into how intelligent she was growing up. And also how little anyone invested in her before outside influences were able to help. This can lead to loneliness and misunderstanding, which are evident in the “Wicked” movies and in the audiobook as well. It’s interesting how you can get to know a character across multiple media. Even when you think you know her pretty well, a new layer unfolds.
You’re organizing a literary dinner party. Which three writers, dead or alive, do you invite?
Oh, this is a tough one. For today, I’m going to say Toni Morrison, Bram Stoker and Ta-Nehisi Coates. What a party that would be, right? I can only imagine the conversations. It would be a great night.
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