What was the last book that you read that you’d now recommend?

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Guide for Murderers—so hilarious and original!

Have you read any classics lately that you were reading for the first time?

Bonjour Tristesse by Francoise Sagan.

Do you re-read books   And if yes, what was your last re-read?

I usually only re-read nonfiction. I’m currently re-reading Joe Dispenza’s fantastic Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself.

What are your go-to genres?

Murder mysteries; romcoms; spiritual and self-help nonfiction.

What is your favorite childhood book?

Nancy Drew books.

What books are on your bedside table right now?

When I Lived in Modern Times by Linda Grant; Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor; and Bad, Bad Seymour Brown by Susan Isaacs.

Do you bookmark or dogear your page in a book?

 Dogear.

What is your ideal reading setting?

In my lovely, comfy bed.

Tell us about your favorite indie bookstore?

I live internationally, in Tel Aviv, so the English book selection is limited here, but I am so excited to get back to my hometown of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and visit the new indie that just opened, Schulers Books. I’ve heard great things!

What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

I’ve always expressed myself best through writing, and I remember writing stories as a child and when my parents read them, I always felt more seen and understood and articulated.

What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?

Gosh, none! I really want to go to the Hemingway House in Key West.

Where do you get most of your writing and editing done?

At coffee shops. I love the buzz and energy and vibes—and the strong coffee!

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Energize! As long as I’m working on something I feel really joyful, excited, and curious about.

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

Gah, somewhere between five and ten. But I really believe that all the books that didn’t make it are invisibly present in the ones that do. And I’m so grateful now that some of the early ones will never see the light of day!

Do you read your book reviews?  How do you deal with bad or good ones?

I try to stay away. I think it’s better not to define ourselves by or get attached to the bad or good reviews. I’d rather just stay in my lane and have fun doing what I’m doing and not pay attention too much to what other people think about it. Easier said than done sometimes, but that’s always my aim.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Keep going. The difference between the people who fail and succeed is that the latter just kept on going a little longer. And have fun! Think about what books you would be most excited to read, and write those.

When you’re not reading or writing, what are you doing?

Walking on the sand at the beach or swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.

What are your three favorite things right now?

Shopping at the outdoor shuk and cooking delicious things, fun research and brainstorming for my next book, and spending time in nature with friends and family.

What is your favorite travel destination and why?

Bali.  I’ve spent five months there across three separate trips, and I adore it. Lush nature, amazing yoga, incredible healers and spiritual experiences, fresh, delicious food, and the kindest, most joyful people.

What’s your favorite meal and go-to drink order?

Steak or hamburgers and sparkling water with lemon.

What six people, living or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?

My three grandparents who aren’t with us, two of whom I never got to meet. And for the remainder I’ll choose my literary idols: Agatha Christie, Pat Conroy, and Jane Austen.

If a movie was made of your life, what genre would it be, and who would play you?

Whatever genre has good vibes, uplifting, fun energy, and a happy ending! Oh, and an exotic setting! Think the Eat Pray Love-type genre. I’m happy to have Julia Roberts play me.

What’s the last TV show or movie you watched that was really good?

The Night Agent on Netflix—I loved it!

You have to sing karaoke; what song do you pick?

Dancing Queen by Abba.

If you were being taken to a deserted island and could only bring one book, what would it be?

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.

Buy The Chateau by Jaclyn Goldis from: AMAZON / BOOKSHOP

booklists