Richie
asked
Melanie Benjamin:
I saw in the Penguin Random House "12 Authors Reading" email that "Auntie Mame" is one of your reading picks. I love that! I love camp so naturally I love Patrick Dennis. I also love reading old Hollywood autobiographies which leads me to ask: what books did you read to prepare for writing "The Girls in the Picture"? I am super excited to read it!
Melanie Benjamin
Thanks for asking! The biography of Frances, called "Without Lying Down," by Carrie Beauchamp, was a book I'd loved for years, and which would probably be a primary inspiration for this story. I then also read bios of Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Frances's memoirs called "Off With Their Heads!" and Hedda Hopper's memoirs, as well as Adela Rogers St. John's. And then books about the silent era - "The Parade's Gone By" is one of my favorites.
More Answered Questions
Martie Nees Record
asked
Melanie Benjamin:
I love your work. And often share your books with friends. I have been reviewing on Goodreads for awhile now. Is there anyway I can participate in (via ebook or hard copy) "a free book for an honest review" with you? Please feel free to check out my reviews. https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/4793025-martie-nees-record?shelf=read Looking forward to your latest. Warm regards, Martie
DianeLyn Bennett
asked
Melanie Benjamin:
I loved your novel The Children's Blizzard. Thanks so much for writing such a gripping read! I have reviewed it here and also on my book review blog - thecozybookblog.com. Any other novels coming out soon? I'd love to check them out as I completely enjoy your writing style. Thanks! :) Best, Diane-Lyn
A Goodreads user
asked
Melanie Benjamin:
I read somewhere that greatest pleasure for you is when your books inspire readers to learn more about people you wrote about. That is exactly my definition of a good book!? - when it makes me want to learn more about people, culture and time period I read about. "The Aviator's Wife" did that to me. I enjoyed every page.
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