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I have had some great discussions inspired by this month's book "Forgotten".  It's interesting to talk about how we think our friends, family, co-workers, etc., would react if we went missing for six months and presumed dead. You can read my review of this book in last week's Good Shopper Blog. I also have a book winner to announce at the end of this post!




Catherine McKenzie was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. She is a graduate of McGill University and McGill Law School and now practices law in Montreal. Her first two novels, "Spin" and "Arranged", are international bestsellers. I am so happy to have had a chance to interview Catherine and to be able share it with you!

Good Shopper Blog: I was so intrigued by this story line from just reading the back of the cover! !hat an awesome premise!  How did you first come up with the idea?
Catherine McKenzie: Thanks! I actually heard a story about someone who had spent some time in Africa, gotten sick and when they returned home, there was someone else living in their apartment. I don’t know anything else about them or what happened, but I thought it was an intriguing premise to explore some themes that had been banging around in my head.

GSB: Did you confer with family and friends on how they would react if this situation happened?
CM: This may sound funny, but: no. I like to let my own imagination govern in situations like that.

GSB: What drew you, as the writer, to Africa as the place that Emma's mother needed her to go?
CM: It seemed like the sort of place that someone might obsess about going to but never be able to. Also, I needed a place where it might be plausible that they could be cut off from the world for six months.

GSB: I love Emma's friend, Stephanie! I think that we need a novel full of her fun ideas, like bookstore match-making!  Is Stephanie based on someone in your life?  I could use a friend like her!
CM: I love her too! But no, she’s not based on anyone I know (though I do have great friends). I really try hard not to base characters in my books on people I know; therein lies trouble! But the bookstore match-making service is a nod to my previous book, "Arranged", for those who have read it.


GSB: As a lawyer, what drew you to writing novels as well? You must never sleep!
CM: I do sleep, I swear! I’ve always written and about six years ago I got an idea for a novel that I just couldn’t shake. I decided to try to see if I could write a book and I’ve kept on going from there.


GSB: What advice can you give to fellow Canadians as a writer and a career woman?
CM: If you want to write, do it! And by that I mean, find the time to do the things you love. If you find a little time everyday you might end up with a book at the end. I also think it’s important to keep a creative side (if you have one) to balance the serious work stuff (if your work is serious work stuff).


GSB: I thank Catherine so much again for the opportunity to interview her. She shared great information and it was so fun to learn how an author researches their stories and where their ideas comes from!

Time to get ready for our next book. We are trying a thriller this time,  "The Accident", by Canadian author, Linwood Barclay.


"In this mesmerizing thriller by acclaimed author Linwood Barclay, a typical community descends into darkness, as an ordinary man is swept into one of the most violent mysteries of modern life."


Sounds exciting! For now, congratulations to "Forgotten" winner, Zara Garcia-Alvarez! You will be receiving a copy of the novel "Forgotten". Let us know what you think! I would love to discuss it with you and find out how you think the people in your life would react. 

Thanks again to HarperCollins Canada for providing us with this great read and the giveaway copy. Follow HarperCollins Canada on twitter, on Facebook, and check out their website, The Savvy Reader, for more bookish fun.

To win a copy of our next book, "The Accident", please answer the question at the end of our review, which will be published on Monday, June 18, 2012. The winner will be announced the following week. Good luck and thanks so much to everyone for participating! Don't forget to Like us at the Buy Canadian First Book Club on Facebook! 

:: Images courtesy of HarperCollins Canada and Chapters-Indigo.