John Waters, who's created some of the most controversial cult films in American cinematic history, reflects on the figures that influenced him in his new memoir, Role Models. Here, he shares some of the books that helped shape his world-view, too:
The Kindly Ones by Jonathan Littell (Harper, $17). This harrowing, repulsive, and witty thousand-page, gay–Nazi–Final Solution novel may have won the two top French literary prizes, but here in America it was panned by the critics. Of course, the French were right. Not since the Marquis de Sade’s 120 Days of Sodom has there been such an explosive literary shocker. And there’s a 39-hour audiobook version available, too. Just imagine that recording session!
Swimming Underground by Mary Woronov (out of print). Still the best book written by a Warhol superstar. If a speed freak’s memoir makes you feel nostalgic, like this one did for me, is there something the matter with you? Unfortunately, yes, there is.
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John Waters is the writer/director of the films Hairspray, Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, and Cecil B. Demented. His book Role Models will be published next week by Farrar, Straus & Giroux.
