I’ve always believed that it’s crucial to never forget where and what you came from.  But when I consider my very early years, I can’t say that I possess that groundbreaking, foundational memory of my first experience with reading.  Instead, I think it was one of those things that was just always there as I grew up.  My mother read to my brother and me every night before bed, and according to her, she made reading a priority from the time we were born.  Invariably, I chose the same two or three books for her to read night after night; thankfully her patience allowed for this repetitive ritual.  To this day, the books still sit on a shelf in the closet of my room, rumpled and dog-eared practically into oblivion.  In a way it’s comforting to know that they’re there—physical, chronological markers of the early development of my love of reading.

I went through high school and college certain that I wanted to work with books.  While I didn’t immediately know how I would achieve this, over time I discovered and became fascinated with the publishing industry.  My time at Dystel & Goderich has allowed me to broaden my understanding of the business, learn the ropes, and most importantly, deepen my interest in genres and themes I was sure I would never encounter, much less enjoy.  Looking at all of this retrospectively, it’s an exciting thought to consider my humble, limited beginnings with reading as I take on this new and meaningful influence in my life and my career.