BEST AUTHOR BEST : GEENA DAVIS

The activist and Oscar-winning actress has written, and illustrated, a children's book titled '' The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page.'' She can't count how many times she's reread her favorites by Zola.

.-  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.

.-  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 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 enchanted me.

.-  Who is your favorite fictional hero or heroine ? Your favorite antihero or villain?

My favorite book of all time is '' L'Assommoir by Emile Zola, and I adore Gervaise Macquart.

She's such a strong character, and every time I read the book, I want her life to be different - I want her to have all the opportunities she's denied as a member of the Parisian underclass.

And as far as antiheroes, while I wouldn't say her husband is my favorite antihero, I would say that he's the perfect foil for Gervaise's dreams.

Zola is such a stunning writer. I can't tell you how many times I've read and reread his work.

.-  Do you have a favorite memoir by an actor?

I don't, but I do have a favorite biography - '' Charles Laughton : A Difficult Actor, '' by Simon Callow.

Charles Laughton is my absolute favorite actor. He was one of the true greats, and being able to gain insight into his life through this book meant a lot to me.

The Publishing continues to Part [2]. The World Students Society thanks The New York Times.