Kirsten King is a screenwriter and novelist whose debut book, A Good Person, has been called “A zillennial Gone Girl” by The New York Times Book Review. The debut follows Lillian, who believes she can turn her situationship into something real by becoming Henry’s ideal partner. That is, until he unexpectedly breaks up with her and she retaliates with a hex. When Henry is found dead, and she becomes the prime suspect, Lillian spirals into a dangerous attempt to control the narrative, clear her name, and prove she’s still a good person.
We caught up with King and asked her to answer our recurring My Reading Life Q&A so readers could get to know the books that shaped her life and inspired her writing.
What was the first book you were obsessed with as a child?
It’s hard to remember the first book, but the ones I can recall loving were Harriet The Spy and the Amelia Bedelia books. I actually think both of those books are sort of reflective of my modern-day tastes. Amelia Bedelia was a very literal person, (perhaps in retrospect she’s neurodivergent), and I loved the chaos she caused. She wreaked havoc on those rich people. As for Harriet The Spy, she was just a little sleuth making observations about the world around her. I actually can’t believe people stole and read her diary. And yet, somehow, she was at fault for her private–sometimes biting–observations?! Crazy. I bought a diary with a lock after that.
What book helped you through puberty?
I know other people will probably have very sophisticated answers to this question, but Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging was one of the first books I read during puberty that felt like it captured how deeply embarrassing growing up is. The line “I am very ugly and need to go to an ugly home” sums up how I felt from ages 11-23. I am drawn to books that capture how absolutely horrifying it is to be a person existing around other people. I think that book nailed it.
What book do you wish 18-year-old you had read?
I wish I got into Octavia Butler younger. I’m primarily drawn to fiction, and Butler is an author who really expanded my world view in ways that were very influential to me when I did begin reading her work.
If you were to teach a class on Damn Good Writing, what books would make the syllabus?
I have no business teaching, but if I did, I would surely hold students hostage to my favorite books.
Parable of The Sower – Octavia Butler
Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
Consider The Lobster – David Foster Wallace
Station Eleven – Emily St. John Mandel
Kitchen Confidential – Anthony Bourdain
Slow Days, Fast Company – Eve Babitz
What books helped guide you while writing your book?
I’ve already mentioned Marcy Dermansky, but I’ve read all of her novels and I just think she’s a master at satirizing the world we live in in a way that manages to never feel cruel. I also revisit Gillian Flynn a lot–Gone Girl is the template for me as a screenwriter and novelist. Yellowface by R.F. Kuang was incredible and I felt like I was on fire while I was reading that book. I could not put it down. I read a lot of books colloquially defined as “Weird Woman Fiction;” Anything that is funny and a bit fucked up will hook me. In terms of practical guidance, I outline everything using the Save The Cat beat sheet.
What books are on your nightstand now?
Long Island Girls – Gabrielle Korn
Near To The Wild Heart – Clarice Lispector
A friend’s manuscript that I am overdue giving notes on