Character Interview: George From If I Lie

I'm beyond thrilled today to be a part of the promotional tour for Corrine Jackson's contemporary young adult novel If I Lie. This book absolutely blew me away, the emotional turmoil so intense I often had to set it aside and take a break to gather my courage before I could pick it up again. Each chapter was like a punch to the gut, every nasty word thrown Quinn's way and every heated glare seeming to manifest on my skin as phantom bruises I feel like I still carry today. Lovers of contemporary young adult fiction should not miss this book, and I'll have my full review posted next week to hopefully help convince you further!

George is a veteran Quinn meets at the VA hospital when she's forced to volunteer by her father, and I'm super excited to introduce all of you to him as he was my favorite character aside from Quinn. So as to avoid confusion in the interview, you should know that George refers to Quinn as Sophie, something you'll come to appreciate fully when you read the book:)

*some people have been wondering as to George's age in the comments - he's a hilarious old man:) Not sure of his exact age, but think senior citizen for sure.


A love of photography is something both you and Quinn share. Can you describe a favorite photograph of those you’ve taken as well as a favorite of those Quinn’s taken?

You mean Sophie? Mmm. I hate having my photo taken, but Sophie has a knack for making old, ugly guys like me look good. I’d say I like one she took of me when I was flirting with Nurse Espinoza. Though, Sophie’s also done some lovely nature studies. She sees things in a way others don’t, and I like that. As for me, I don’t have a favorite picture that I’ve taken. Most of my pictures are of war. Necessary, but not easy to look at.

If a loved one of yours was away fighting and they could either send you a single letter or a single photograph to comfort you in their absence, which would you choose?

That depends. Is she my sweetheart, and if so, will she be wearing clothes? Ouch. Damn kid just threw a shoe at me. (points at Sophie) 

*Jenny falls a little more in love with George here*

You and Quinn sized one another up pretty quickly when you first met, and she threw the attitude you sent her way right back at you. What was the first thing that went through your mind when she didn’t back down from you?

She reminded me of me. Only younger, two-legged, more girly, and with a lot less chest hair.

You are one of the few people, maybe the only person, who sees more in Quinn than the cheating scandal that’s rocked her small town. What would you say is the quality you admire most in her?

She’s the most honorable person I know. And that’s all I have to say on that. I don’t want her getting a big head.

You’ve been conducting interviews at the VA hospital for quite some time. Has there been one soldier’s story in particular that's affected you more than the others?

I’ve interviewed hundreds of soldiers, and they all have a unique story to tell. Stories about heroism and cowardice and fear and sacrifice and patriotism. Every story is different. Some give me nightmares and others make me laugh, but the unalterable fact is that I am changed by all. But to answer your question more directly, no, I’m not affected by one telling over another. Rather, I’m affected by all those soldiers who haven’t had a chance to talk about what they went through, to have an ear honoring their service. Every untold story breaks my fucking heart.

What’s one thing, outside of photography, that you’re proud to have taught Quinn?

Not a damn thing. That kid gave me more than I ever gave her. She taught me about friendship and honor and love. I’m proud to call her my friend. (pauses) Wait. I take that back. I taught her how to cheat at cards.

How amazing is George? I hope everyone takes the time to pick this book up, it's truly brilliant. More information on Corrine and If I Lie can be found here:

Website
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IF I LIE

Quinn’s done the unthinkable: she kissed a guy who is not Carey, her boyfriend. And she got caught. Being branded a cheater would be bad enough, but Quinn is deemed a traitor, and shunned by all of her friends. Because Carey’s not just any guy—he’s serving in Afghanistan and revered by everyone in their small, military town.

Quinn could clear her name, but that would mean revealing secrets that she’s vowed to keep—secrets that aren’t hers to share. And when Carey goes MIA, Quinn must decide how far she’ll go to protect her boyfriend…and her promise.