Chopping it Up with Jo Knowles

 

Today please welcome Jo Knowles, Author of Jumping Off Swings, Lessons from a Dead Girl and upcoming title Pearl. Today we're chatting about her character Henry. Check it out:

Describe Henry’s relationship with Bean.

Henry and Bean have my ideal friendship. They know each other as well as themselves, flaws and all, and still love each other. Also, they have great taste in junk food.

 

Why does Henry make up stories about his dad?

 

I think we always make up stories about people we wish we knew, whether we mean to or not.

 

Was Henry happy for his mom when Bean's mom finally got her out of the house?

 

I think he was mostly afraid for her, because she seemed so fragile. But I think he grew to be happy for her, once he knew she was safe, and happy herself.

Why is Bean Henry’s only friend? Is it by choice?

I think sometimes when you have a heavy load to carry, you don’t have a lot of room for much more baggage. There is a certain unique and equal level of trust between them that allows them to share the weight of what they carry. You can’t do that with just anyone.

Do you think Henry and Bean will ever become more than best friends?

Hmmmm. What do you think? :-)

Anything else you'd like to share with us?

I hope everyone will try Claire’s popcorn recipe because it is truly wonderful.

Thanks for the interview!

About the book:

Bean (née Pearl) and Henry, misfits and best friends, have the strangest mothers in town. Henry’s mom Sally never leaves the house. Bean’s mom Lexie, if she is home, is likely nursing a hangover or venting to her friend Claire about Bean’s beloved grandfather Gus, the third member of their sunny household.
Gus’s death unleashes a host of family secrets that brings them all together. And they threaten to change everything—including Bean’s relationship with Henry, her first friend, and who also might turn out to be her first love.