In an email interview, she talked about the inspiration behind “The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page,” and how “The Accidental Tourist” changed her life. SCOTT HELLER

What’s the last great book you read?

“Horse,” by Geraldine Brooks, weaves the art world, the horse racing world and what it means to be human into a thrilling tapestry.

What book have you recommended the most over the years?

“Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women,” by Susan Faludi. As someone who’s focused on creating equitable representation onscreen for women and girls, this book had a strong impact on me.

Which genres do you especially enjoy reading?

Memoirs and biographies. I find stories about other people’s real-life experiences and challenges so engrossing. They teach me a lot and broaden my perspective and understanding of the world. One recent favorite was “Educated,” by Tara Westover. The story — and Tara’s resilience — broke my heart.

What kind of reader were you as a child?

I read everything I could get my hands on, often under the covers with a flashlight. I used novels as a way to learn, to escape and to travel without leaving my little town in Massachusetts. I particularly loved “The Cricket in Times Square,” by George Selden. The idea of a cricket giving concerts in New York City enchanted me.