From the Oregonian (Alice Walker on Wharton)
Later, Walker says an appreciation for books is best developed by reading exciting work. She loved to read because her family did.

Walker says students want to know how writers live because they think it's glamorous -- "There you are in your garret with your laptop."

"What are you reading?" she asks the students. Several call out, "You," but one girl says, "Edith Wharton."

"Edith Wharton?" Walker says. "Oh, my goodness. I can't do much with Edith. But let's get back to Dickens."