Guest YA Author Barbara Ehrentreu

I'm really excited to host YA author Barbara Ehrentreu.


I read her book IF I COULD BE LIKE JENNIFER TAYLOR and really enjoyed it!
My YABC review: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/12209-if-i-could-be-like-jennifer-taylor

I recommend reading this YA contemporary tale!  And this month it's a real deal at $1.99!




Interview with Carolyn Samuels from If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor

Today my guest is a girl who has suddenly been thrust into the media. Recently she gave a talk on Karen’s Chaise Lounge, she has been making the rounds on several blogs and now she is a featured guest on this blog. How is it affecting this young girl who has graciously agreed to talk about the events of her freshman year in high school.  Since Carolyn is always a little nervous about any interview she asked the author of her story, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor, Barbara Ehrentreu, to interview her.

Welcome to both of you. Barbara and Carolyn.

Barbara, please ask your first question.

Carolyn, would you please tell us a little about yourself?
There’s not much to tell. I live in Mill Valley, which is in Westchester, NY and I attend Mill Valley High School. My best friends are Becky and Janie and I love Math. Oh, yeah, I have a Newfoundland dog named Max and my favorite cookie is chocolate chocolate chip homemade by my mom. My mom works for an ad agency in the city. That’s what New Yorkers called New York City. My dad is a criminal lawyer. I’m an only child, but you couldn’t ask for better parents. Except they don’t pay much attention to me.

On the surface it looks like you have a great life. Why, then did you come to me one day crying and telling me you hated Jennifer Taylor and she made your life miserable? Who is Jennifer Taylor and why do you hate her?

Jennifer Taylor has made my life a living nightmare since middle school. I call her Miss Perfect, because she is a size two and her father owns half the town. She’s on the path to be an Olympic gymnast so she’s excellent in gym. Jennifer is the most popular girl in the freshman class. I think she knows everyone in the class. And to top it all off she has this hot boyfriend, Brad, who is a Junior and the quarterback for our football team. He’s so amazing and I don’t think she deserves to be with him. Okay, maybe I have a crush on Brad myself.

What happened last year on the first day of school?

I’m not sure I can talk about this, because it brings back awful memories. Do you want me to go all the way back to the rope line incident? I mean that’s what started all this.

Yes, tell us as much as you can.

Well, I got up on the first day of school after having this incredible dream where I was popular and a cheerleader and my boyfriend fed me a piece of chocolate cake because I was thin and blonde and didn’t gain weight. Of course the truth is I am a little overweight and my hair is dark brown and hangs like shriveled spaghetti. But still this was a great dream, wouldn’t you agree? I wanted to stay in bed, because when my alarm rang I realized I might run into Jennifer Taylor. 

You see I hate her and I also want to be like her. It’s awful and here’s how it started. When I was in seventh grade we did the ropes course. One part of it , the zip line, required you to climb up to this platform and you were given a harness. When you got up there you had to clasp yourself to the line and then you could slide down. A few people went in front of me and then of course, Jennifer did it perfectly. When my turn came I froze. Then I started breathing funny, because I have this thing. I hyperventilate when I’m nervous and that day I started turning blue. If I can’t start breathing I can faint. I started feeling dizzy and couldn’t clasp myself onto the zip line. Jennifer was on the ground and saw me. The teacher saw me too and raced up the ladder to the platform. She said to me, “Breathe, Carolyn, breathe.” Then Jennifer started saying too and soon all the kids who had been on the line echoed her. As I came down the ladder I wanted a big hole to open up and swallow me. So then Jennifer started bothering me at odd times every day. She’d sneak up and say “Breathe, Carolyn, breathe.” Or she would whisper it in class when I had to go up to the board. We were in Math class together and I started to dread it. So when I was in her Math class again and the teacher put us together as partners I didn’t know how I could stand it.

What happened?

Well the first day of school after being pushed together with her for a Math project I was put in front of her in line for gym. I don’t know what happened, but all of a sudden I didn’t want to be anywhere near Jennifer and I started hyperventilating until I fainted. I guess that’s when I got connected to Jennifer in a much more serious way.

Oh, my goodness, your story has more to it?

Oh yes, I learned way too much about Jennifer and wound up holding her secrets until the end of the year. I mean, I did meet Brad and well, I don’t think I can say anymore. This is all really painful to talk about, you know?

Yes, Carolyn and thank you for telling us a little bit about your story. I guess if you want to learn more about what happened that year you will have to read the book, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor from MuseItUp Publishing in a cool e-book or paperback.

Thank you, Kim for hosting us today. 

Yes, thank you Amy. This was my first blog interview and thank you Barbara for helping me through it.

My pleasure, Carolyn. I know talking about these things is hard for you, but you did very well. Where can we find If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor?

Right now during the entire month of May, Barbara’s ebook is on sale for $1.99 here:

Amazon (Kindle):

MuseItUp Publishing:

It is regular price for Nook here:
Barnes and Noble:


Comments

J.Q. Rose said…
Carolyn, you did a super job on the interview. You remind me of my school days, only my nemesis was Judy Rogers. I still shudder just thinking about her...Miss Perfect. So happy Barbara accompanied you today. She is a terrific author. Thanks for sharing. I want to read the whole story. Best wishes.
Hi JQ! Thank you for visiting and Carolyn says to thank you too. She had to go to school, but she said I could comment for her. Hope you enjoy the story and thank you for the lovely words. It's sad you had someone like Jennifer to bother you.
Ah Sweet Carolyn... one of my all-time favorite characters. I think she did a wonderful job speaking for herself... and perhaps what is seen as a shy demeanor will blossom into an introspective young woman.. perhaps a poet! Thanks to her "mom" Barbara and thanks for this wonderful interview....:)
Wendy said…
You did very well with your interview, Carolyn. We understand and feel for you. I think most women remember 'friends' like Jennifer Taylor and most school girls are trying to cope with them now. I've heard tell you managed very well in a most unusual way. Good for you!
Hannah said…
This is so great, Barbara! Carolyn is such a great young gal!! So glad to have met her!

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