Interview and Giveaway: Perfect Is Overrated by Karen Bergreen

 Interview 

1. I haven't finished your book yet but the very first sentence grabbed my attention. How did this story come about and how much is your own story?
I love this question.  Even though Perfect is Overrated is a comedy--perhaps even a madcap comedy--the one serious thread in it is my attempt to capture--however exaggerated--my depression after I became a mom.  I'm not talking throw-the-baby-down-the-stairs-depression; I'm talking: Why isn't this more fun? / Why do I not love this/ Remember when I had a job I was good at and friends I could see?/Why is my husband oblivious to all of this kind of depression.  Mine wasn't as severe as Kate's but it's no fun to write about someone getting out of a teeny depression.  We want someone to hit bottom and get back on top.  And that is Kate's story.
My descriptions of the crazy meanie mommies are completely fictional but they reflect the essence of many a parent here in NYC and I think in other places as well: self-absorbed; entitled; disconnected from their kids.  They were really fun to write and super fun to kill.

2. If you could select the cast for the movie version who would you choose to play the main characters?
I love Amy Adams.  I think she would be a great Kate.  The hot ex-husband could be Bobby Cannavale.  As for the science teacher--the guy from The Amazing Spiderman because I have an inappropriate crush on him.

3. Your background is fascinating - paralegal, law clerk, comedian, wife, mother, author - WOW!  Which has been your favorite? (I won't tell the  others!)
I like sleeping

4. Where did you get your great sense of humor?
My brothers used to pound my head into the floor when I was a kid.

5. What are some other projects you've done?
6. Would you like to put in a plug for your upcoming appearances?
I will answer these two together.  I have a few taped TV appearances coming up.  Look for me on Nick Mom's Night Out.  I'm in a great episode with Chloe from 24, Nate Bargatze and Al Madrigal. I will also be in something else, which I can't promote because it hasn't been taped and I don't want to jinx it. 

7. More books to come? (please!)
Working on something right now

8. What do you hope to be doing five years from now? 

I hope to be going on long vacations, which include climbing mountains with someone who will hold my luggage and give me a back rub,

9. A favorite quote?
"God is dead." Nietsche. "Nietsche is dead." God.

 10. A favorite book?
So hard but it may have to be The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

11. Favorite dessert?
Chocolate Bread pudding, heated with lots of booze and whipped cream

12. Favorite season?
Fall despite the movie, Autumn in New York

13. Favorite place to hide to get some peace and quiet? (I'm a mom too. Desperate times calls for desperate measures!)
I sneak out to do stand up--that's where I can relax

14. Paper or plastic?
Glue.  Instead of putting my groceries in a container, I simply stick them to my body. 

15. Boxers or briefs? (I seem to see that question asked a lot)
Glue. 

Thank you, Karen!!

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Giveaway
Thanks to author Karen Bergreen, I have three (yes, 3!) copies!!

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- Ends 10/21/12, 11:59 pm EST

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