Nicole’s Favorite Reads
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Nicole’s Favorite Reads

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March 16, 2016

At United Way we LOVE books and since its National Reading Month a few of our friends agreed to share with you what their favorite books are and who they think should write their life stories.

Tell us about yourself. 

My name is Nicole Angresano and since 2007, I have had the privilege to serve as United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County’s Vice President of Community Impact. The loves of my life are my husband Josh and our 9 year old son, Lucas.

What’s the last great book you read?

I just finished an amazing book—Down the Rabbit Hole by Juan Pablo Villalobos. Dark and funny—and completely original.

Who is your favorite fictional hero or heroine?

I am obsessed with Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. This is not an exaggeration. Smart, funny, sassy—and so ahead of her time, refusing to subscribe to pre-determined roles or to accept an arranged marriage, daring to tell it like it is. Plus, she finds true love—I mean, it’s the perfect story!

Who is your favorite antihero or villain?

Snape. Although, since he’s not actually a villain, I’m not sure if it counts. But yes—I’m still going with Snape. So complicated and tragic and, in turns out, incredibly brave. People are complicated—and no one more so than Severus Snape.

What was your favorite book as a child?

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson. I remember the day I got it—it was winter in 1980, and I was sick, and my dad picked it up for me at the campus bookstore. I fell in love with it that day and continue to read it over and over again. It is simply the most beautiful book.

Is there a particular story you heard in your childhood that still sticks with you today?

The Velveteen Rabbit still resonates—and brings me to tears—some 40 years after reading it the first time. 

“Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.” 

Whom would you want to write your life story?

John Irving, my very favorite author of my very favorite book, A Prayer for Owen Meany. Although, the ending might be too tragic. So maybe Tina Fey instead. 

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