As the LA Books Examiner, a voracious reader and an ambitious writer, I have the coolest job in the world. Each week in the mail I get free, about-to-be-published books that few people have access to and a clear head start on finding the newest and coolest books and writers to share with the reading community. Sometimes I even get to sit down with these writers and ask the burning questions about their books and their lives that, as readers, we can’t help but wonder about as we tear through their novels. But by far the best part of my job is when, within this mix, I find the work of a new writer whose debut work is a true discovery, the kind of book you can’t help but force onto your friends and loved ones as if you had something to do with it. I love that!
This is one of those rare times.
About nine months ago, I started following Sarah Pekkanen on Twitter (.SarahPekkanen), an experienced journalist and mother of three who wrote about her life and her kids and her experiences as a soon-to-be published author on her website www.sarahpekkanen.com. I followed along as the positive buzz from the other lucky reviewers began pouring in along with powerful endorsements from established writers within her genre. I lived vicariously through her guest blog appearances and interviews and the exciting announcements that numerous translations were in the works for publication when her new book was due for worldwide release on March 9, 2010 – which seemed like a lifetime away. Since then our correspondence has been for me, not only special and memorable, but it’s also served as a confirmation of what a cool job I really have.
And here we are, nine months later, and I finally get to do it.
With this in mind, meet Sarah Pekkanen, author of
The Opposite of Me, a smart, funny, and thoughtful take on sibling rivalry and the true bond, both rewarding and painful, of sisterhood and the unique relationships that shape our lives.
In the book, we meet fraternal twins Lindsey and Alex Rose, who couldn’t be more different. Lindsey, the responsible, hardworking one has spent her life in the long shadow of her stunningly beautiful sister, Alex, who effortlessly floats through life from one seeming success to another. However, after years of grueling 80-hour work weeks and the devastating loneliness and physical effects that seem to come along with it, all of that is about to change – or is it? Lindsey, about to be promoted to Creative Vice President of a major New York advertising firm, watches her life’s dream suddenly fall apart in one unfortunate night. Thoroughly humiliated and beaten, she is forced to return home to Maryland, just minutes away from her sister, where she has no choice but to rebuild her identity and her life amid life-long resentment, jealousy and a surprising family secret.
The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen will be released tomorrow, March 9, 2010. You can purchase a copy at Sarah’s website, where you can read the first chapter for free.
I had the great opportunity to interview Sarah Pekkanen about her book and her life. I hope you’ll take a few more minutes to read the interview at my site The LA Books Examiner.
