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9 questions for Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

The talented novelist on inspirations and her favorite book.

Javier Zarracina
Sean Illing
Sean Illing is the host of The Gray Area podcast.

This week, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, novelist, short story writer, and author of Americanah and We Should All be Feminists, answers our questions.

What’s the first piece of media you consume every day?

Depending on where I am, the New York Times or NPR or BBC World News.

Name a writer or publication you disagree with but still read.

The Wall Street Journal editorial page, because I imagine it to be what the thoughtful American right reads.

Who is the person who has most influenced the way you think?

I have been influenced by a wide group of people. There isn’t a single person who has most influenced me.

When was the last time you changed your mind about something?

Last week, after a conversation, on the subject of “floating” the Nigerian currency.

What’s your worst intellectual habit?

Reading too many books at the same time.

What inspires you to learn?

Curiosity and confusion.

What do you need to believe in order to get through the day?

“Need to believe” sounds ominous.

What’s a view that you hold but can’t defend?

I don’t hold it if I can’t defend it.

What book have you recommended the most?

Chinua Achebe’s Arrow of God.

You can read last week’s edition of 9 questions with Fareed Zakaria here.

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