Q&A with Susane Colasanti discussion

My teen years were really lonely. High school was the worst time of my life. But no matter how bad things were, I could always rely on my favorite books to make me feel better. I still consider good books to be my friends. And the authors who wrote them are rock stars in my eyes.

Back in the day, we didn't have the wide selection of teen novels that are available now. So there weren't a lot of early influences in that realm. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton had such a strong impact on me that I began thinking about writing my own teen novel after I read it. I wanted to reach out and hopefully help my readers feel less lonely the way that book helped me.

These days, my fave YA authors are Laurie Halse Anderson and Blake Nelson. Among grownup novels, I love Jodi Picoult, Garrison Keillor, Jonathan Tropper, Tom Perrotta, Stephen King, Anne Tyler, Nick Hornby, and Steve Martin.

What about you? Which books have inspired you, connected with you, or maybe even changed your life?

Take Me There! by You!!

It was the first book I ever read with no vampires or creepy stuff in it xD. You made me discover a Love and Need I never even knew I had for that Genre.

You are a TOTAL role model and a Rock Star in my eyes, and I am 100% sure that you are the same for many others as well :DD

My favorite genre now is horror/thriller. But I do like everything...anything that is good.

When I was young, I LOVED Judy Blume. The first book I ever read was "Forever." Afterward, I read everything she wrote. I can't say it is because of Blume that I put out my book on virginty but Forever was about the first time. I was only nine and it was sooooo intriguing to me (I read the whole thing in a day). I didn't want to have sex but I was very curious. I had that book in mind when making my book.

As an adult, I am a huge fan of Dean Koontz, F. Paul Wilson and of course Stephen King. I love the creepy, scary stuff.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson really helped and inspired me when I was a freshman in high school.

I actually didn't start reading (for pleasure) until my senior year (last year). High school was just kind of boring.

I absolutely enjoyed...
If Only You Knew: A Novel by Mags Storey & Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers - I don't know how to describe it but both of them were very touching. Coincidentally, both of the female protagonist learn that they are both lovable and someone does care about them (even if they've had 5 fathers or did things people look down on).

My favorite book you wrote--that I find myself rereading--is Waiting for You... I'm still waiting for something exciting or adventerous to happen. :) A lot of people can definitely relate to some part of the story. Also I liked reading about Nash.