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The Book Inside You: Don't Give Up Reading Or Writing

BOSTON (CBS) -  In these days of tweets, texts, and emojis, are people still reading literature?

"I am a former English major. I am a big believer in reading. I read like crazy as a kid and wish I could do more of it now," Governor Charlie Baker told WBZ NewsRadio 1030.

charlie-baker-kids
Gov. Charlie Baker reads to kids at the Kittredge Elementary School in North Andover, March 2. (Photo by Ben Parker - WBZ NewsRadio 1030)

There are some who believe the written word is becoming passé.

Boston University professor Leslie Epstein, father of Chicago Cubs general manager Theo Epstein, doesn't think so.

"We hear always that books are not selling and that newspapers are closing and I think the word is the most evocative thing we have. And don't give up on it," he told WBZ.

Leslie and Sylvie Epstein
Leslie Epstein and his granddaughter Sylvie. (Photo credit: Leslie Epstein)

Epstein has been the director of the Creative Writing Program at B.U. for 36 years. He's written nine novels, including the acclaimed best seller "King of the Jews."

He's currently writing a book about Hollywood and the making of the Academy Award-winning film "Casablanca" during World War II.

Epstein's father and uncle co-wrote the screenplay for "Casablanca."

He confesses writing isn't always easy, even when it's in your blood.

"You dread getting up in the morning because you know that blank piece of paper is going to be there," Epstein said.

"(Leo) Tolstoy said that the goal of the artist is to take the reader by the back of his neck and force him to love life."

In part two of "The Book Inside You," we'll hear from other best-selling authors and their methods of putting a story on paper.

Listen to Part One Of "The Book Inside You"

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