"But really, it was reading that led me to writing. And in particular, reading the American classics like Twain who taught me at an early age that ordinary lives of ordinary people can be made into high art"

In this quote, Russell Banks assesses the profound impact that reading had on his journey to becoming a writer, particularly the influence of American classics and authors like Mark Twain. Banks acknowledges that reading was the catalyst for his composing profession, recommending that the works he engaged with supplied both inspiration and a fundamental understanding of storytelling.

Checking out, for Banks, was not simply a passive activity but a developmental experience that guided him toward self-expression and creativity. The phrase "reading that led me to composing" indicates that the process of engaging with literature opened up brand-new paths of idea, ultimately ushering him into the world of authorship. It suggests an evolution from customer to developer, a transition facilitated by the powerful stories and styles he experienced in his reading journey.

Banks highlights Mark Twain and other American classics as pivotal impacts, drawing attention to a specific style of composing that highlights the charm and complexity of "ordinary lives" and "ordinary individuals". This focus nods to a democratic method to literature, where stories of daily individuals are elevated to the status of "high art". Twain, understood for his keen observations of human nature and society, exemplifies how the subtleties and complexities of routine presence can be woven into engaging and extensive narratives.

By referencing Twain, Banks is likewise acknowledging the abundant tradition of American literature that values authenticity and the exploration of human experiences. The concept that "normal lives ... can be made into classicism" is empowering, recommending that substantial stories aren't confined to the grand or the elite. Instead, there's an inherent worth and charm in the mundane elements of life, and it's the author's ability that changes them into art.

This quote underscores the mutual relationship in between reading and writing. Through reading, Banks found both a source of inspiration and a plan for crafting meaningful stories. This recommends that for many writers, literature is both a starting point and a continuous guide throughout their imaginative ventures.