Remember a while back we told you that Reese Witherspoon was interested in starring in a film version of London is the Best City in America? We weren't fibbing! She's optioned the rights to the book, and we like this funny-sad novel too, so we optioned the right to ask author Laura Dave a few basic, burning questions...oh, and by the way, Laura has kindly given us a signed copy of London to bestow upon a lucky b-list member, so sign up over there on the right (it won't cost a penny, or a shilling, or a pound).
Who is your favorite writer that most people have never heard of?
I am a huge fan of Shannon Olson, who wrote this great novel called Welcome to My Planet: Where English is Sometimes Spoken. I also love Pam Houston, Meghan Daum, Sue Miller and Charles Baxter.
When you were growing up, what kid or teen writer rocked your world?
So many! I think I read every book in the "freshman dorm" series, at least 2x! I also loved Remember Me to Harold Square by Paula Danziger and Forever by Judy Blume. 
My favorite kid book of all time may be Penelope Gets Wheels by esther allen peterson. It is about a little girl who buys roller skates with her birthday money because she can't afford a bike.
Where's your ideal place to write?
I always write in the same coffee shop, a few blocks from my apartment in new york city. I wrote my whole novel there. It is down a flight of stairs--and kind of dark and homey. They let you sit for hours...for the bargain price of a cup of coffee!
Your life is a TV series. Name the theme song, one event that would be on the "best of" episode, and one that would be on the blooper reel.
The theme song would have to be "Wide Open Spaces" by the Dixie Chicks--because i've sang that song (too badly) too many times to not give it some credit. The "Best of" episode would have to feature the day in 8th grade that I got into all county chorus. It was the closest I came to fulfilling my dreams of becoming a singer! The blooper reel, unfortunately, would include the hundreds of other times when I was told in no uncertain terms not to give up my day job to follow that dream.
Burger-flippers want to know: have you ever had a job that required you to wear a geeky uniform? Details, please!
I had 13 jobs the year i was writing london is the best city in america. One of the worst ones was at a high-end shoe store. The geeky uniform: an itchy sweater set. And very high shoes.
We'd like to name a burger in your honor. What kind of fixins should It have?
I love a juicy burger with cheddar cheese and barbeque sauce. Extra pickles. And please...hold the onions!
And finally....what is the lowdown on reese and ryan? Have you had dinner at their house yet?
No dinners at their house----though i remember reading somewhere that Reese is an excellent cook. I definitely wouldn't be surprised, if that were true. Us southern girls are taught to cook almost as soon as we are taught to walk! 
My claim to fame: the best banana pudding in the world, a cribbed version of this recipe. (i hold the meringue, and add extra wafers!!!)
MMmm. Nilla wafers. Glad bikini season is almost over...
Okay, B-listers, get your credit cards ready, because those of you who have not yet read Anansi Boys must rush out and purchase a copy immediately! This gem from bestselling author Neil Gaiman (who--judging by the photo on the back of this book--is a fifteen-year-old wunderkind) is a hoot and a half from beginning to end. Poor sod Fat Charlie Nancy (and I have to call him a sod because he lives in England) has the world's most dismal life--a boring job, a fiancee who won't put out, and a charming father who playfully humiliates him every chance he gets. Things only go from bad to worse when Fat Charlie's father passes away and Charlie makes a number of discoveries: a) he has a twin brother he never knew about, b) his father was actually the trickster god of African legend, Anansi, and c) his brother inherited all of the godlike qualities from good old Dad. Charlie decides to get in touch with his brother, and--as we say in the writing biz--shenanegans ensue. 
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