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LATFOB: author Aimee Bender

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Aimee Bender is the author of two short story collections -- ‘The Girl in the Flammable Skirt’ and ‘Willful Creatures’; the recent novella ‘The Third Elevator’ and the novel ‘An Invisible Sign of My Own.’ The USC professor’s second novel is coming later this year; she’ll be at the Festival of Books on Saturday, appearing on the panel ‘Writing the Fantastic’ at 2 p.m.

Carolyn Kellogg: You’re known for bringing fantastic elements into your literary fiction – can you tell us what to expect in your upcoming novel, ‘The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake’?

Aimee Bender:

Well, it also has a bunch of fantastical elements, though some of them are a bit buried and are only discovered along the way. I think it’s a less fairy-tale-influenced book but the magic is still very much there.
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CK: What are you currently reading?

AB:

‘Laika,’ the graphic novel, and ‘A Moveable Feast,’ which I had never read. It’s so good.

CK: What’s your favorite thing about the Festival of Books?

AB:

The resounding reminder that L.A. is a city that loves to read.

CK: What do you plan to see or do at the festival this year?

AB:

Walk around, happen upon talks, browse bookstores, eat a Dove Bar if it’s hot.

CK: Do you have a favorite book or movie about Los Angeles?

AB:

Recently saw ‘L.A. Story’ again and just loved it. Such a sweet and often affectionate take on L.A., with that wise talking freeway sign.

I also just love Lawrence Weschler’s article on L.A. light (you have to buy or subscribe to the New Yorker for access, but I think it’s worth it).

-- Carolyn Kellogg

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