Lauren Strasnick

Lauren Strasnick grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, now lives in Los Angeles, and is a graduate of Emerson College and the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) MFA Writing Program.

Nothing Like You is her first book.

Recently, I asked her what she was reading. Her reply:

Right now I’m halfway through The King’s Rose by Alisa Libby – A YA historical novel about Catherine Howard, King Henry VIII’s doomed fifth wife. Catherine was fifteen when she married the king, who was nearly fifty and in poor health (he had some sort of festering wound on his thigh – H.O.T.). I feel such sympathy for this girl, and find it absolutely unreal that there was a moment in time when an aging man might marry a teen girl.

I recently read The Three Incestuous Sisters by Audrey Niffenegger. It’s an illustrated novel with Edward Gorey-esque illustrations. I was attracted to this book for a few reasons – I’m a Gorey fan and I loved the gothic cover art. Also, the book promised romance! Despair! Envy! Very appealing. Niffenegger delivers – but this book is less about text/plot and more about Niffenegger’s gorgeous, creepy images.

Also read: Amandine by Adele Griffin. A YA novel about two freshman girls whose friendship crumbles when one girl reveals herself to be manipulative, duplicitous and vengeful. I love books about claustrophobic friendship, so this one hit the spot.

Before that? Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You by Peter Cameron. The book’s narrator, James Sveck, is eighteen, smart, hyper critical, aloof, fearful, & has a completely compelling voice. Loved it.

Visit Lauren Strasnick's website.

--Marshal Zeringue