Andrea Portes (Hick ) reveals that she would never read to her children what she read as a child ... In this month's 1-On-One!

Is it possible to be a good writer without being a good reader?

I don’t think so. Inspiration comes from the voices before us… the rhythms, especially. I keep copies of my favorite novels in my bedside table, so, whenever I’m stuck, I can just grab one and listen in until something burbles.

According to a report of the Independent Book Publishing Association, over five million American adults belong to reading groups. What, do you believe, is the basis for this country's love for literature and books?

Not sure. Maybe connection. Maybe the experience of comparing your imaginings to your peers.

Have you ever belonged to a reading group?

I, usually, steer clear of groups, in general, as I was kind of shunned growing up.

What advice do you have for reading group members when it comes to selecting books for discussion?

I guess I would hope they might choose authors of the most varied backgrounds. It’s important to try to get into the heads, hearts and minds of people we normally might avoid. I think this is where we learn how similar we are, in many ways, and stop fearing each other.

What books are you reading now or do you plan to read?

Right now I am reading a manuscript called “Sex, Love, Life and Death: I Will Succeed at One.” by Matt Dwyer. It’s hilarious and brilliant. I’m in love with it.

If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only bring one book with you to read, what would it be and why?

Hamlet. (Ok, yes, it’s a play, really.) But that’s the only thing I could imagine myself reading again and again, sighing, and getting hit in the head by a coconut before I starve to death because I haven’t figured out how to eat the coconut.

If you could have dinner with three writers (dead or alive) who would they be and why?

Mark Twain, Kurt Vonnegut and Edith Wharton. I think we would have a good time together.

Have you ever read anything you're too embarrassed to admit (except in this interview)?

I read this book, supposedly written by high-class escorts. It had all these amazing stories about coked-up Hollywood celebs and the kinds of weird things they’d hire these poor girls to do. It was so badly written, it had to be true. Believe me, after reading that book… there are some people you can never see the same way again. It doesn’t leave you much sympathy for some of the “acting greats” we’re all supposed to worship.

Favorite book when you were a child?

The Painted Bird, by Jerzy Kosinski. I know… not really a children’s book but, well, I managed to get a hold of it and that was that.

If you have children, is this the same book you read to them? If not, what is your favorite book for your children?

No way. Never. I think, probably, Dr. Suess’s book about the star-bellied sneetches. That one says all the things I think it’s important to say.

Favorite heroine in literature and why?

Lili Bart of The House of Mirth, because she could never make up her mind about anything and that’s sort of how I feel.

Favorite hero in literature and why?

I’m fond of Anthony Patch of The Beautiful and Damned, Cass Chaplin of Blond and, of course… Gatsby.

Favorite first line from a book?

"Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta.”

Favorite last line from a book?

"So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."
-- F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Book that changed your life?

The Painted Bird. Jerzy Kosinski.

Words to live by?

Sin bravely.