Bonnie Garmus, author of the bestselling novel "Lessons in Chemistry," recently discussed her follow-up work, "Peck & Peck," and shared insights into her literary influences and personal reading habits. The development of "Peck & Peck" traces back to an earlier manuscript rejected by 98 literary agents, which nonetheless provided a foundation for the new novel.

Garmus highlighted a diverse range of books currently on her nightstand, including Anna Heyward’s memoir “Living With Freddie: How a Dog Taught Me to Be Human,” Beeban Kidron’s exploration of technology in “Users: How Big Tech Took Control and How to Fight Back,” and Brian Bilston’s poetry collection “How to Lay an Egg With a Horse Inside.” She expressed a particular fondness for poetry, noting Bilston’s work as an accessible entry point for those who might not normally engage with the genre.

An unexpected title among her books is “Basic Plumbing” by Thomas Philbin. Garmus explained that financial challenges early in her career prompted her to take weekend courses in plumbing and electrical work, though her efforts did not lead to additional income. She recounted a humorous anecdote in which she accidentally electrocuted her wiring partner twice.

Regarding her approach to organizing her personal library, Garmus said she tends to place finished books wherever there is space, while her husband arranges volumes according to imagined affinities between titles. This has led to unconventional pairings such as "The Princess Bride" alongside "The Dream of Perpetual Motion" and “Where the Wild Things Are” next to their daughter’s high school yearbook.

The theme of typography appears in "Peck & Peck," featuring a character who is a typeface enthusiast. Garmus shared her preference for Bodoni, a late 18th-century serif typeface known for its clarity and elegance, which she admires for its visual impact.

On the topic of creativity, Garmus expressed skepticism about the use of generative artificial intelligence in writing, emphasizing the importance of effort, practice, and personal growth in the craft. “There is no effort, no practice, no learning, no growth,” she said, explaining why AI-assisted writing concerns her.

Her recent literary experiences include books that have provoked emotional responses, such as Andrew Sean Greer’s “Villa Coco,” which made her laugh, and Ann Patchett’s “Whistler,” which moved her to tears. She also mentioned Stephen King’s “It” as the most terrifying book she has read, attributing her fear of clowns to the character Pennywise.

Garmus recalled an incident from her youth involving “The Godfather,” a book given to her by a school librarian, which led to a complaint by her mother.

Reflecting on her evolving reading tastes, she noted a shift from early interests in fantasy to a focus on classic literary works during her teenage years, though not all resonated with her, citing Thomas Mann’s “The Magic Mountain” as a challenging read.

Looking back at her unpublished work, Garmus revealed she has three early novels that were never published, including one she wrote at age 12 that was bound by a school librarian but never checked out. The unpublished manuscript rejected by nearly 100 agents eventually inspired elements of “Peck & Peck.”

When asked about a hypothetical literary dinner party, Garmus said she would invite Margaret Atwood, Mark Twain, and Susan Orlean—authors she admires for their wit, fearlessness, and ability to bring stories to life. She also noted a personal connection with Atwood, as both authors share entomologist fathers, providing potential fodder for conversation.