In an email interview, the Indiana Fever point guard explained how a mirror in her family home led to “EXTRAordinary! A Little Extra to Reach Big Dreams.” SCOTT HELLER
What book might people be surprised to find on your shelves?
I’m not really a big rom-com person, but I do have a few of Emily Henry’s books — “Funny Story” and “People We Meet on Vacation” — on my shelf. The books are fun but not cheesy, and they are a great escape from the craziness of my everyday life. Plus, they are great for the beach, my favorite place to read!
What book has had the greatest impact on you?
“Winners Never Quit!,” by Mia Hamm, was my favorite book growing up, and I remember always wanting my parents to read it to me before bed. I loved the message about not giving up, but I also really looked up to Mia and everything she accomplished. Seeing how much she inspired people through sports made a big impression.
Who is your favorite fictional hero or heroine?
I’d probably say Matilda. She’s smart, determined and completely herself, and she doesn’t let other people tell her what she can or can’t do. I also love that someone so small can surprise everybody. And obviously, for By the Book, you have to appreciate a character who loves reading that much.
What is the best book you have ever received as a gift?
Every year for Christmas my brothers and I would get a book and a set of pajamas. I was always excited to see what the book was going to be. I realize this is where my love of reading started as a kid. It’s kind of wild to think that now someone might get my book for Christmas.
What kinds of children’s books appealed to you growing up?
This won’t be a surprise, but I always liked sports books. I would read them with my brothers. I also really loved the books in the “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” series; they were just fun to read. “If You Give a Pig a Pancake” was a favorite. As I got older, mystery books. I read a lot of John Grisham’s Theodore Boone series.
Why put out your own children’s book right now?
I think about what I would have wanted to hear when I was their age. This book is actually inspired by a mirror in my bedroom growing up that said, “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the little EXTRA.” I looked at it every day, and to me it was a reminder to give a little extra love, effort and care to the things that matter, to find a little extra joy every day. I’ve had so many people help me get to where I am, and if I can encourage kids to go after their dreams while remembering the people who support them along the way that’s pretty special.
What about you is “extra” besides your athletic ability?
I have a hard time doing anything halfway. I guess that’s my version of extra.
Your foundation works closely with the United States of Readers, which brings free books to classrooms. Why them?
Reading was a big part of my childhood. I remember getting to pick out books from the book fliers at school and being so excited to choose something I actually wanted to read. There’s something really special about finding a book you connect with, whether you see yourself in the story or it takes you somewhere completely different.
What do you plan to read next?
“Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect,” which is written by a sports psychologist who has worked with a lot of the top professional golfers. Whether it is in my casual golf game or on the court, I am always looking to improve and find a competitive edge, and so much of that comes in the mental aspect of competition. You can put in thousands of hours on mechanics, but you also need the confidence and right mind-set to truly be at your best. I know there will be some good things in there that I can apply to my game.
You’re organizing a literary dinner party. Which three writers, dead or alive, do you invite?
I’m going to get a little creative here: Martha Stewart; Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as a package deal; Lady Gaga; and Cookie Monster as a bonus guest. Martha can handle dinner, Tina and Amy will keep everyone laughing, and Lady Gaga will do the playlist. (“Applause” is one of my favorite songs to listen to before a game.) I’m going to trust Cookie Monster with dessert because I know he’ll bring the best chocolate chip cookies. I’ll bring a game for after dinner and find a way to make everyone play. That sounds like a pretty great night to me.
The post Matilda Is Caitlin Clark’s Fictional Hero appeared first on New York Times.
