Penelope Cruz
Penélope Cruz, the star of Pedro Almodóvar’s “Volver,” has become the first Spaniard to be nominated for an Oscar in the best actress category. Winning is not her primary concern, however.More important for the 32-year-old Cruz is to continue a career that already includes more than 35 films and earn the respect that has eluded her at times in Hollywood, where she has drawn more attention for her beauty and love affairs than her art. But, according to Cruz, as long as there’s a new book to read, there’s always hope.Q. Which book are you reading at the moment?
A. I’m re-reading “The Dying Animal” by Philip Roth to prepare for the movie I’ll be filming this year with Sir Ben Kingsley.
Q. Which book has had the biggest impact on you?
A. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger. Like many people, I read it when I was a teenager and it really had an impact on me. That book has something in it about human beings’ mental confusion that people identify with.
Q. Who are your favorite authors?
A. Salinger, Gabriel García Márquez, Federico García Lorca and Jean Genet. Truman Capote, I love all of them.
Q. How would you encourage reading?
A. Try the opposite. If you go for some time without reading and try it again, you’ll see how it hooks you. When I read, I sleep better and that’s always a good reason.
