Out of the Easy

by Ruta Sepetys

I leapt eagerly into books. The characters’ lives were so much more interesting than the lonely heartbeat of my own.

Patrick and I amused ourselves with one of our games. We’d give each other a choice of two literary characters, and we had to choose which one we’d marry. We played the game for hours, often howling with laughter when the choices were less than pleasing. “Darcy or Gatsby,” said Patrick. “Oh, come on. Can’t you do any better than that?” I scoffed. “That’s obvious. Darcy.” “I just don’t see why women love him so much. He’s so uptight. Gatsby’s got style.” “He’s not uptight. He’s shy!” I insisted.

Charlotte grinned. “Josephine, men just don’t understand, do they?” “Not at all,” I agreed. “For example, Patrick asked if I would rather marry Gatsby or Mr. Darcy.” “No, he didn’t! Who in the world would choose Gatsby over Darcy?” Charlotte caught on and turned to me. “Josephine—Ethan Frome or Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables?” “Oh, Ethan Frome,” I said quickly. “Out of pity,” said Charlotte, with an understanding nod. “A bit,” I agreed. “But Ethan Frome had a hidden depth, something waiting to be discovered. And that cold, dark winter setting in New England. I thought it was beautiful,” I said.

Sometimes we set off down a road thinkin’ we’re goin’ one place and we end up another. But that’s okay. The important thing is to start.

Thank you to the teachers, librarians, booksellers, and literacy advocates who have given me the opportunity to connect with students and readers.