Kate McKinnon says Succession made her return to King Lear

In a recent interview, Kate McKinnon, a well-known comedian from the United States, shared her literary journey and how various books shaped her as a person and a writer. She recalled her fond memories of reading The Berenstain Bears books during her childhood, particularly a library book about rescuing animals that she borrowed regularly. This connection to literature began early for McKinnon and laid the groundwork for her passion for storytelling and writing. As she entered her teenage years, McKinnon experienced a pivotal moment when she read Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Loewen at the age of 12. This book opened her eyes to the darker aspects of American history, particularly the colonization of the continent, which left a lasting impression on her worldview. Such a profound reading experience often contributes to the development of one's narrative skills and perspective as a writer. In terms of aspiring to become a writer, McKinnon noted that works by Roald Dahl, Lemony Snicket, Pseudonymous Bosch, and Astrid Lindgren inspired her both as a child and later in her career. She expressed how Dahl's whimsical and imaginative storytelling resonated with her, providing comfort during stressful times in her adult life. This enduring love for children's literature highlights the importance of creativity and imagination in her writing process. Additionally, McKinnon mentioned some of the more challenging reads, including The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, a book that moved her deeply to the point where she felt unable to read it again. She also spoke of discovering Muriel Spark's The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie later in life, which indicates her evolving literary tastes over the years. Currently, she is reading Inconspicuous Consumption by Tatiana Schlossberg, focusing on sustainability, further showcasing her interests in diverse topics. Overall, McKinnon's reflections emphasize the significant role literature has played throughout her life, shaping her as both a person and an artist.