For all those who lost someone in Iraq and all those who don’t even know someone who fought it in, get a glimpse inside military family with GCC Member Jessi Kirby’s new book, IN HONOR, out this month through Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers.
As always, here’s a little bit about her book to get you hooked:
Honor receives her brother’s last letter from Iraq three days after learning that he died, and opens it the day his fellow Marines lay the flag over his casket. Its contents are a complete shock: concert tickets to see Kyra Kelly, her favorite pop star and Finn’s celebrity crush. In his letter, he jokingly charged Honor with the task of telling Kyra Kelly that he was in love with her.
Grief-stricken and determined to grant Finn’s last request, she rushes to leave immediately. But she only gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen him in ages, thanks to a falling out between the two guys, but Rusty is much the same as Honor remembers him: arrogant, stubborn. . . and ruggedly good looking. Neither one is what the other would ever look for in a road trip partner, but the two of them set off together, on a voyage that makes sense only because it doesn’t.
Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn–but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?
Here’s what Jessi had to say:
Q: In ADIOS TO ALL THE DRAMA, Mariana is a bridesmaid in her cousin’s wedding. How many times have you been a bridesmaid and what’s the worst dress you ever wore?
Jessi: I’ve only been a bridesmaid twice, and both dresses were cute! I lucked out, I guess!
Q: I’ve used some of my personal background in each of my novels. Did you take any snippets from your real life when writing your latest book? Base any characters on real people?
Jessi: In IN HONOR, I based a minor character named Bru on an actual jeep tour guide I had on my research trip to Sedona, Arizona.
Q: Let’s talk publishing. What was harder for you, finding an agent or an editor?
Jessi: Finding an agent was harder. I queried many agents and got many rejections, but once I had representation, things went very smoothly.
Q: Where did the idea for you latest novel come from?
Jessi: I wanted to write a story about the relationship between a brother and sister, and I wanted it to include a road trip. The idea of the letter and Honor’s ensuing trip evolved from there.
Thank you, Jessi! Now, everyone go out and buy books, lots and lots of books!
