Wednesday, August 22, 2012

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
Twitter
Amazon Buy Link

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.


35 comments:

  1. I don't know that I have really heard much (if anything) about this book yet. But man if its that emotional I'm not sure whether I should run toward it or away from it. ;)
    The interview definitely has me curious though so I look forward to your review Jenny.

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    1. I loved this book so much Candace! It was hard to read at times, but so so good:)

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  2. I love this Interview and I sooo want to meet George now! Also, I saw this cover around but just now became to admire the synopsis! This sounds like such an amazing read and I need a copy for myself! Can't wait to read your review!

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  3. I think I have this one figured out, at least the secret, but I'm not sure. I avoid war stories. Funny as I'm such an issue/contemporary fan. But there are some things even I don't have the guts to read. I think because the war is still going on, I have two sons who already talk about entering the service. It sounds like a great book, especially from the sounds of how it affected you, but this is one I'll pass on. I'll just read all the great reviews.

    How old is George?

    Heather

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    1. He's an old man, and he's one of the highlights of the books! He's got such an attitude the way only old people can have attitude and I loved it:) And he believed in Quinn when no one else did.

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  4. George seems like an interesting character! I really can't wait to meet him. :)
    I wish someone would teach me how to cheat at cards. :P I ALWAYS lose!
    Thanks for sharing, Jenny. :)

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    1. I need him to teach me as well, I'm a big fat loser too:)

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  5. George sounds awesome!!! Since he's a veteran, I'm assuming he is old and if he is, well, that's just epic! Haha. He kind of reminds me of Uncle Iroh from Avatar: The Last Airbender but more... liberal...

    Fabulous character interview, Jenny :D

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    1. Yes, he's old, which is in part makes him so funny. He and Quinn are hilarious together:)

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  6. Love! I completely adore the whole interview!!!!! Perfect questions Jenny, from their hobby in common to the importance of veteran stories, to George being exactly who I remember in this unforgettable story!!!!!! Unforgettable interview Jenny!!!! :)
    George is my favorite character, then Sophie. Can't wait to buy my own copy of this book next week too!!!!!!

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    1. Yay! Glad you enjoyed it Rachel. I hope everyone gives this book a try, I adored it:)

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  7. *sobs* I LOVE GEORGE! Gosh, this book was so good, wasn't it? I simply adored it and I love this interview! George is one of my favorite characters ever and I cried so much during many of the scenes with him in the novel. It was truly heart-breaking. On a more positive note though, my review of this is going up tomorrow, so I'm so glad you got a chance to be part of this blog tour! :D I looved the interview!(:

    ~Keertana
    Ivy Book Bindings

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    1. I LOVED IT SO MUCH KEERTANA! I can't wait for your review:):)

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  8. I definitely need to read this book! I just looks SO good. George is absolutely hilarious. And I'm definitely curious to see why he calls her Sophie!

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    1. I adore George. I want a George in my life:)

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  9. Aww George! I desperately want to meet him now. I'm super curious as to why he refers to Quinn as Sophie. I can't wait to read this book! I've heard so many wonderful things already. :)

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    1. I really hope you get a chance to read it Sam, I absolutely loved it and can't wait until I can buy a copy for myself:)

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  10. I just read a fantastic review for this one the other day. Every chapter is like a punch to the gut...Yikes! Sounds like this book packs a punch..yeah bad pun intended. George is an interesting guy for sure. Glad he can dodge shoes! Looking forward to reading your full review, Jenny!

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    1. This was not an easy read in the least. I struggled all the way through because I felt so strongly for Quinn and what she was dealing with. Loved it:)

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  11. Oh how interesting and I love the whole photography part. Hm... George sounds like someone I'd love to know. I'm with Heidi... glad he can dodge shoes. LOL Love these interviews!

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    1. George rocks. He just made me happy every time he appeared on the page:)

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  12. I wonder what kind of secrets she is keeping?...

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    1. All kinds of secrets she should never have been asked to keep:)

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  13. I love George's voice! The grumpy old man who's not really all that grumpy tone is fantastic. He sounds like someone I wouldn't mind having on my side just by the way he defends Quinn.

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  14. I'm really curious about this one, Jenny! Since you loved it so much, I can't see a reason to skip this one. Can't wait to read your review. :)

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  15. Oh FINE!!!!

    I really haven't heard much about If I Lie yet... But emotional inner turmoil and such... Well that's always an EPIC win for me!

    You know how I enjoy having my heart ripped out by a book! *adds it to the list*

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  16. Thanks for the recommendation! Adding this to my TBR shelf. Loved the interview. :)

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  17. Jenny, I love, love this character interview! George is absolutely hysterical; not so much the cantankerous old man but more good natured and humorous. I love this line in particular: "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)"

    Honestly, I was off of my chair laughing. I can't wait for this book! Yay, only a few more days to go... :)

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  18. Oh my gosh, Jenny, George seems hysterical. No wonder you love him! I can't wait to read your review for this; I didn't think it would be for me but I may have to change my mind.

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  19. Awwwwwwwwww I REALLY want to meet George now! Fantastic interview Jennyy!<3 I only recently heard about this book, and am now DYING to read it :D So glad this blew you away<3 Can't wait to read it :)

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  20. Wow! George seems so sweet and funny <3 I love how he seems to dote on Quinn/Sophie and I'm eager to see more of him! Fantastic interview <3

    Can't wait for your review, Jenny! I'm intrigued by this book and I'ma big fan of contemporary!

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  21. Awesome interview! Can't wait to read the book!

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  22. Sounds like a very powerful book! I'm a contemporary lover but not sure how I feel about the synopsis, I'll be looking forward to reading your full review to make my final decision =)

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  23. This book has been on my radar for awhile but I didn't realize there was a character like George. *falls in love*

    I can't wait to read it. I'm sure I'll be like you and have to read it in bursts. Ready for your review!

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