Bonnie Garmus, author of the popular novel *Lessons in Chemistry*, explores the life of Batter Gray, an aspiring poet navigating family drama in 1980s New York City, in her new novel, *Peck & Peck*. In a recent interview, Garmus shared what inspired her to create a story focused on poetry and artistic identity.
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Garmus recounted how an influential English teacher sparked her love for poetry at the age of fourteen. The teacher introduced her to poets like Nikki Giovanni and Langston Hughes, encouraging his students to read a poem a day for life. Years later, a reminder of that promise led Garmus back to daily poetry reading and inspired her character, who becomes a pivotal figure in a struggle between originality and conformity.
Garmus chose the title *Peck & Peck* for its layered meanings. The name reflects conflicts within the story, including those between twins, capitalism, and artistic integrity. Batter Gray's supportive yet conflicted parents shape his character; his father, John, and mother, Rainey, both work in the humanities and aspire for their son to achieve financial security despite their love for art.
Batter embodies youthful naiveté and impulsivity; he is an everyman grappling with self-doubt and societal expectations. His journey towards self-acceptance is fraught with setbacks, illustrating the challenges of finding one’s identity amid pressure.
The narrative also explores the dynamics of the Peck family, founders of a notable poetry quarterly, showcasing their eccentricities and rivalries, particularly among the latest generation of twins. Garmus conducted extensive research on twins and their complex relationships, discovering that their need for individuality can lead to conflict.
In crafting the distinctive setting for *Peck & Peck*, Garmus drew solely from her imagination, striving to create a unique building that embodies originality in the face of conformity. This aligns with the novel's themes condemning the pressures of sameness in modern society.
Garmus expressed her appreciation for the influence of typography in her novel, a passion that stems from her background in graphic design. She infused this interest into the narrative, emphasizing the significance of visual elements in storytelling.
While the concept of Phone Book Parties—gathering strangers to enjoy poetry—originated from Garmus' imagination, she portrayed them as transformative experiences, inviting skeptical participants to discover the power of poetry.
Garmus credits her family, particularly her husband and daughters, for their support during her writing process, even though they read the book only after she completed the first draft. Moving forward, she has several ideas for her next project but remains uncertain about which story will ultimately take shape.