“Mark Twain, because he's witty, well-traveled and hilarious.”

— Adam Schlegel, restaurant manager, Denver

“Terry McMillan. She writes a lot about women my age, African-American romances and life experiences.”

— Monique Cox, card dealer, Topeka

“I would have liked to have met Kurt Vonnegut I think he had an incredible mind.”

— Bruce McKee, father of four, Lawrence

“Bill Clinton. I think his charisma is appealing as a president and an author, because he is so personable. It really comes across in his writing.”

— Sarah Foreman, Kansas University junior, Plymouth, Minn.