Into It: Ann Brashares

We ask the author of 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' what she's reading, watching, and listening to.

from the June 1, 2007 edition

... Reading

In the last month I read two books I absolutely loved. The first was Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. It has an unusual narrative structure, but do not be put off by it. It is a brilliant, funny, amazing book. The second was Lonesome Dove [by Larry McMurtry]. I was moved to go out and buy it when my trusted friend (and literary agent) said, "You haven't read 'Lonesome Dove'? I am jealous." Now I, in turn, am jealous of all of you who have yet to experience the pleasure of it.

... Watching

I loved the movie Junebug. For a while, I would not shut up about it. I don't exactly know why I loved it. I just did. I am also attached to a series called Foyle's War. It's a detective show based in England in the Second World War. I think the writing and acting – the whole show actually – is quite wonderful. I watched Rushmore again recently. That's one of my all-time favorites.

... Listening to

I'm enjoying Beethoven's violin sonatas lately – especially the Kreutzer. And also Brahms. I've always loved that first sonata for piano and violin. I never tire of The Marriage of Figaro, especially the second and third acts. When I run I listen to Led Zeppelin, John Prine, Mos Def, Wilco, The Rolling Stones – Factory Girl is one of the great songs for running. I've also got a lot of '70s disco tunes on my iPod. Thelma Houston's Don't Leave Me This Way gives a burst of adrenaline every time.

• Ann Brashares's new novel, "The Last Summer (of You and Me)," will be published by Riverhead on June 5.