With 20 years of experience writing periodicals and contributing to books, Kelly Mize is celebrating her first solo project (see below!). I’m celebrating with her by asking her TONS of questions about her reading preferences.

Thanks for being here! What was the first chapter book you read? What did you like/not like about it?  Ramona the Pest. I loved that Ramona was REAL and I could relate to her so much. I’ve always liked realistic fiction and Ramona is probably one of the reasons!

The only thing I didn’t like about the book was when it was over! Thankfully, Beverly Cleary wrote many books and I read every single one.

What was the last book you read that you couldn’t put down? Educated by Tara Westover. I love to read memoirs–learning about the way other people have lived their lives and the similarities and differences to my own. I had a unique childhood (there may be a memoir one day, stay tuned!), but I was stunned by what “normal life” was for Tara. I am greatly inspired by all that she has accomplished in her life in spite of the very difficult way that she grew up.

Where’s the most unusual place you’ve read a book? When I was a little girl, I had a favorite tree that I liked to climb. It had a perfect branch upon which I could securely sit, and I remember climbing with a book in hand and spending time reading in “my” tree. I don’t remember the books specifically, but there was probably at least one Beverly Cleary book read there!

How fun! If you could be part of any fictional family, which would you pick? I think I would like to be a part of the March family in Little Women. I enjoy reading about that that era, and I am moved by how much the family loved each other. I don’t have a sister, but always wanted one. Better still, I think I would absolutely love being one of four!

I have two sisters. Let’s talk. 😉 If you could visit any fictional place, where would you go? Definitely Narnia, and I have only one reason for wanting to go there–Aslan! Well, and also being able to step through a wardrobe and enter another universe. I have always loved the way C.S. Lewis depicts Aslan so beautifully as a symbol of God. He is kind, powerful, and just. I would also just love to spend time riding on Aslan’s back on a running tour of Narnia. Ha! What can I say? I love God, and I love big cats. Narnia would be a win-win for me.

Share five books from your TBR (to be read) pile.

Mere Christianity by C.S Lewis (Yes, it’s been on the list a long time!)
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (I’ll admit I have started the book several times and have not been able to finish it yet. Maybe this year!)
Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Biography by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Women of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream (a Christmas gift from my son)
The Quilter’s Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini

If you could change the ending of any story, what would you change? I would probably change the ending of The Great Gatsby. I would like to have seen a happier–or at least more hopeful–ending for Jay Gatsby. I understand though, that the conclusion of any book makes it what it is. With any different ending, The Great Gatsby would not have been the unforgettable, though disturbing, classic it has become. I may not have remembered it at all. But in general, I love happy, hopeful endings!

Kelly Wilson Mize is a wife, mother of two young adults, and former educator with a master’s degree in education. In 20 years as a published writer, she has composed numerous articles, interviews, curriculum projects, and devotions, and has contributed to eight traditionally published books. Credits include LifeWay, Bethany House, Guideposts, (in)courage, and others.

Kelly’s first full-length publication, a picture book, called The Beautiful Story Within Me, was released in September 2021. A lyrical tale of love and redemption, the story brings the classic adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” to life with a surprising twist. The vibrantly illustrated book, rooted in simple Biblical truth, is an enchanting adventure for both children and adults. Written for anyone, of any age, who has ever felt inadequate, The Beautiful Story Within Me is an imaginative reminder of every believer’s identity in Christ. The book is available at Amazon, B&N.com, Books-A-Million.com, Walmart.com, and independent bookstores everywhere.

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