When it comes to books, we writers like to interview other writers, editors, literary agents, publicists, but how often do we pick the brains of those representing the bedrock of the publishing industry? Without whom, the entire enterprise would collapse? Who am I talking about? Readers! Or rather in this case, one particular reader, my neighbor Eric Knoll.
He and his wife Kathy (and their two sons) are front porch people, so we see each other quite a bit. Since Eric is usually huddled with a book, I got into the habit of asking him what’s he reading. From that, we’ve had many discussions about books and authors. Turns out, not only is he very knowledgeable about a wide range of books, he and I have similar interests, mostly crime novels and edgy nonfiction, and we’ve shared recommendations. So I used this opportunity for him to share his thoughts.
Eric, give us a bit of your background.
I’m 49 and was raised in Rockford, Illinois. It’s where the Sock Monkey and the band, Cheap Trick, came from. Aside from that, it’s a typical Midwestern town. Once it was a thriving manufacturing center but automation and NAFTA have gutted it. Sadly, because of high unemployment and crime, Rockford keeps popping up on those lists of worst American cities. I majored in English and for the next few years worked as a copywriter, substitute teacher, an associate at Whole Foods, barista and assistant manager at Starbucks. Kathy is a nurse and a career opportunity for her brought us to Denver. After more hopping from job to job, a friend suggested that I become a public school teacher, which intrigued me because then I could reconnect with my English degree. Interestingly, my father was a school teacher and though my mother had a BA in Education, she was a stay-at-home mom. After getting my teacher’s license, I roved about the metro area in various schools before settling in where I am now. I had taught English to 8th graders, but now teach in a pathway school, attended by students who haven’t had success in a traditional setting for a variety of reasons. This summer I’m completing my Master’s in Special Education.
When did you start reading? What did you like to read then? How did those books and what else you liked to read influenced you and your outlook on life?
As a kid, I loved reading those Garfield books, comics, and the newspaper sports column. I suppose the book that really opened my eyes to the world was Jack Kerouac’s On The Road. His adventures seemed romantic and daring, especially considering my Catholic upbringing. From there, my interests kept growing. I’d keep my ears open for new titles or read author interviews to see what they had on their nightstands. I’m an avid follower of Goodreads and love to talk about books and music.
What are your favorite genres?
About 80 percent of what I read are novels, the other 20 percent are nonfiction. Of fiction, it’s mystery, thriller, and occasionally sci-fi or fantasy. Of nonfiction, it’s mostly historical. However, currently, I burned out on books about World War Two, there’s been so many.
What makes you stop reading a book?
I read for escapism. I generally jump right in and go with the flow. I give a book about a hundred pages to reel me in but if I haven’t connected by then with either the characters or the plot, and no matter how sparkly the prose, I just stop reading.
What have been your all-time favorite books?
There have been many and I’ll start with the novel that hooked me because it’s so weird and well-written: Geek Love by Katherine Dunn. Other books include The Dharma Bums, also by Kerouac, The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce, The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley, and Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown.
I enjoy southern Gothic mysteries for their gritty, swampy atmosphere. Some of my favorite mysteries are from Joe Lansdale, Michael Farris Smith, SA Cosby, James Lee Burke, and the Australian writer, Michael Robotham.
For nonfiction, my go-to author is Erik Larsen. However, I can’t offer enough praise to The Johnstown Flood by David McCullough or Dino: Living High in the Dirty Business of Dreams a biography of Dean Martin by Nick Tosches (combining my love of music and books).
What’s on your nightstand?
I just finished The Big Empty and thanks to Mario for introducing me to Robert Crais. Right now, I’m about halfway through Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson. Next up is Dead In The Water: A True Story of Hijacking, Murder, and a Global Maritime Conspiracy by Matthew Campbell and Kit Chellel.
Thank you, Eric, for your insights and adding to my TBR pile. Happy reading.
