I have been reading Laurie Colwin since 1993, when a friend of mine who worked in a bookstore gave me a copy of The Lone Pilgrim. I was instantly hooked and quickly amassed her entire body of work. A Big Storm Knocked it Over, Happy all the Time and Home Cooking/More Home Cooking are my favorites. As for my favorite character(s), I have two–Jane Louise Parker and Misty Berkowitz. I love the friendship between Jane Louise and Edie, and the description of the skating party at the old Bed and Breakfast is one of my favorite passages in ANY book I have ever read… Misty is a lovable misfit. It's wonderful "watching" her conquer her fear of love and fall head over heels with Vincent. She's such a human character, full of flaws and quirkiness. I love that she's as prickly as a porcupine on the outside and as soft as a bunny on the inside. I think she is brave and bold and I include her name on my list of women who inspire me–Laurie Colwin herself, is at the very top of that list.