Why comic book writer Gail Simone wore flip-flops to the White House
Gail Simone is the acclaimed writer of several comic books, including “Birds of Prey,” “Wonder Woman,” and currently “Uncanny X-Men.” Her first novel, “Red Sonja: Consumed,” was published last month by Hachette. Simone spoke with correspondent Diya Chacko about the book and took the Book Pages Q&A.
Q. What was a book that made an impression on you?
“Peter Rabbit,” which was the first book I checked out from the library as a kid. I lived on a farm, and was very proud of that fact, so the book felt really relatable to me.
There was also the issue of “Justice League” 100 that I found at a garage sale, which is how I met Wonder Woman for the first time. It always seemed to me that the women heroes in comics would accidentally have things happen to them, and then they’d have to take action. Wonder Woman was different. She defied her mother, left the island, didn’t need anyone to rescue her – I loved her.
Q. Is there a person who made an impact on your reading life?
Well, my mother, in that she did not censor anything that I read. I didn’t have to stay in a lane. I didn’t have to stay in an age group, you know? I could just read whatever. And I think that, looking back on it, that was probably the most impactful thing, just because I was free to read. I remember I had really severe pneumonia when I was about 10, so I was down for three months. She brought me every book in the library, stuff she thought I might like, even books she was reading.
I lived out in the country so my library was actually a bookmobile at first. I was excited by that bookmobile like other kids were excited by an ice cream truck. I loved uncovering books and talking to the librarians. So as far as impact, I’d say various librarians who made that bookmobile available, and my mother for being excited for me to read.
Q. What are you reading right now?
The “Bridgerton” novels. I’ve already watched the show, but it’s cool to read the books and see how they’re represented on the show. They’re delightful, and it’s nice to read something where I don’t feel like I’m working while I’m reading.
I also just finished Kamala Harris and Michelle Obama’s books on Audible.
Q. What’s next on your reading list?
“Hollow Earth” has been on my list for a while. And also the “Thursday Murder Club” books by Richard Osman. I love cozy mysteries.
Q. Is there a book you always recommend to others?
There isn’t usually just one. If somebody wants a recommendation, I always ask them what they like to read, or what kind of characters they want to read about, or what kind of movies they watch. I want to try to match their taste with what I think they might like.
I think the most recent recommendation that I gave was Stephen King’s “Fairy Tale.” I really found that I just could not put it down. I read a lot of horror – just not before bed.
Q. Is there any moment from a con or book event that stands out in your mind?
The moment that stands out in my mind is when I got to speak at the White House during the Obama administration, about media representations of LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities. I got the call when I was at another convention in New York and my suitcase was basically full of jeans, flip-flops and Aerosmith T-shirts. My husband and I found a suit at Macy’s, but no shoes that were appropriate. So I gave my speech, and opened with “Please, no one tell my mom I’m wearing flip-flops at the White House.”
It was very cool. People came up to me and showed me their “Superman” socks, etc. I knew these were my people.