Girls at Library

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ANDI TERAN

Photos by Lauren Pisano

Photos by Lauren Pisano

Introducing Andi Teran: writer, performer, artist, mother. Andi has not only an extraordinary way with words, but an ability to seamlessly juggle her life and work that's beyond envious, with a winning collection of books to boot. She's recently released her debut fiction novel, Ana of California, a modernization of Anne of Green Gables; published by Penguin, which lucky for us readers pulls her talents beyond her usual writing for major publications, notably: Vanity Fair, MTV, New York, and Monocle. Also recently published is Andi's rescue cat Alfie, who is the cover page of Japan's Mill Mag.


GALWhat was the name of the first book you fell in love with, that turned you into a life long reader?


AT: I’d say it’s a three-way tie between Judy Blume’s Are You There God It’s Me Margaret?, Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, and Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. I love stories about orphans or awkward youths going through major life changes.


GALWhat is the power of story? Describe some ways in which fictional narratives have impacted you and your life.


AT: Fictional narratives are the reason why I’m a writer. I fell in love with books from an early age and grew up with parents who were both book collectors. Books were a part of our daily life. As an only child, stories entertained me most when I was lonely, and I often felt comforted by characters that would end up feeling like friends. To this day, I don’t think anything compares with getting lost within the pages of a book. To me, the best books—the ones you clutch to your chest once you’ve turned the last page—are both life-affirming and life-changing. They stay with you forever. I’ve always had a desire to write because I’ve always had a passion for reading. Being a writer feels natural to me.


GALHow often do you read? 
 

AT: I read every day—which is becoming increasingly difficult with a newborn baby—but I currently average a couple hours a week. Pre-baby it was more like 7-10 hours a week.
 

GAL: Do you have a current – or “forever” – favorite book?
 

AT: My “forever” favorite books (I can’t pick one) tend to be about strong female characters—Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre are top of the list.

 

GAL: Who is your favorite author? (If impossible to choose please name two).


AT: It’s impossible for me to name one favorite author but two of my all-time favorites are Haruki Murakami for his bizarre surrealist magic and Joan Didion for her elegant truth.


GAL: Do you prefer non-fiction to fiction? If so, why?
 

AT: Both! Great stories—real or imagined—transcend genres.
 

GAL: If you read non-fiction, what genre do you prefer?
 

AT: I love memoirs. Patti Smith’s Just Kids is one of my all-time favorites, and I just finished and thoroughly enjoyed Girl in a Band by Kim Gordon.
 

GALHow do you choose the books you read?
 

AT: I have a massive list that I’m always going back to, but most of the books I end up reading are recommendations. I’m also in a fantastic book group full of lively, outspoken women with a passion for great literature. We’re currently reading Miranda July’s The First Bad Man.


GAL: We have a friend who has a “Sanity Shelf” dedicated to books she returns to again and again, to reread for pleasure, knowledge, and solace. What books would be on your Sanity Shelf?
 

AT: On Writing by Stephen King (aka the best book about writing)


Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers by Leonard Koren

 

Dangerous Angels, the Weetzie Bat book series by Francesca Lia Block

 

Haiku Harvest, a vintage Japanese haiku poetry book my husband gave to me,

 

Tales of the City series by Armistead Maupin

 

Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion

 

Bohemian Modern by Barbara Bestor


GAL: Do you have a current favorite reading spot? Where is it?


AT: I love to read on the couch in my writing studio. It’s a small, intimate room—an enclosed balcony—with a wall of windows, natural light, and my favorite books and objects occupying the rest of the space. I could stay in there all day.


GALOr – can you read anywhere – place is not important?


AT: I used to love reading on the subway when I lived in New York City. I also love reading on airplanes.


GALIs it important for you to physically hold a book you read? Or can you read on a device with no problem and no impact on the experience?
 

AT: Yes, I prefer to hold an actual book. I have no problem reading news and articles on a device, but there’s something about immersing myself into words printed on paper that seems to work better for my brain. I enjoy the scent of old books too.


GAL: If you were to write your memoir, what would you title it?

 

 

AT: I’m Not Finished Yet

 

GAL: Please name three books you recommend reading, and the reasons for your choices.


ATVapor by Amanda Filipacchi is the one book I recommend the most. It’s a weird and wonderful love story between a lazy actress and a mysterious scientist that takes place in a mansion full of clouds. I have gigantic love for this book.

 

Pattern Recognition by William Gibson is an incredible book that reads like a movie in your head. It centers around a strong female character that chases trends, Internet mysteries, and the truth behind her father’s disappearance on September 11th. It’s such a fun read.

 

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt is my most recent favorite book. An epic pseudo-orphan tale told in modern day New York City, it has one of the best opening chapters of any book I’ve ever read. I still get chills when I think about it. I don’t want to give too much away, but don’t be daunted by its density—it pays off in the end. Donna Tartt is a masterful storyteller.

 View Andi’s work on her website, her Instagram, and also through her new book!
All images courtesy of Lauren Pisano.