How They Met and Other Stories (Borzoi Books)

Just in time for Valentine's Day comes a confection from David Levithan that is sure to have fans of Boy Meets Boy eager to devour it. Here are 18 stories, all about love, all kinds of love. From the aching for the one you pine for, to standing up and speaking up for the one you love, to pure joy and happiness, these love stories run the gamut of that emotion that at some point has turned every one of us inside out and upside down.

What is love? With this original story collection, David Levithan proves that love is a many splendored thing, a varied, complicated, addictive, wonderful thing.

In the fall of 2003, David Levithan took some time out to answer some of our questions about his favorite books, authors and interests.

What was the book that most influenced your life or your career as a writer -- and why? Probably everything I write has some root in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. It was my absolutely favorite as a kid, and it taught me that writing can be both funny and touching at the same time, and that character, perspective, and word choice are just as important as plot.