Notes from Crew Quarters: The First Book We Fell in Love With

Our editors revealed their first literary loves.

Krys Malcolm Belc, Associate Fiction Editor

When I read Matilda, it completely reinvented my understanding of what books were and were for. It wasn't just a story; it was a strong message to people who identified with Matilda. I did. And now I have her (and Ms. Honey!) tattooed on my leg. And also, everyone knows that Ms. Honey was a queer icon for people growing up in the 90s.

Emily Doseck, Intern 

Ferdinand the Bull/The Story of Ferdinand. It’s the earliest book I remember reading over and over and over again.

Jacob Hall, Associate Fiction Editor 

The Horse and His Boy.

Ethan Brightbill, Managing Editor 

Animorphs #4: The Message, the first chapter book I ever read. Who doesn't want to fight aliens and turn into a dolphin?

Tianli Kilpatrick, Associate Nonfiction Editor,

A Wrinkle In Time series is what got me into reading. However, "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" is what got me into writing.

Anne Okonowski, Associate Poetry Editor

So I'm named after Anne of Green Gables and I remember my mom reading that book to me when I was pretty young and it was magical to be able to identify with a character so strongly. Especially as a child that had a penchant for being dramatic and had quite the temper.

Bill Nyfeler, Associate Nonfiction Editor 

2001.

Robert Ball, Intern 

The Great Gatsby! Instantly became my favorite book and still is today.