Jonathan Friesen is making a splash on the YA scene with his debut novel, JERK, CALIFORNIA (Penguin/Speak, September 2008). The Minnesota native will be stopping by TKA’s chat room this Thursday, November 20th @ 9pm ET to share his experiences as a first-time writer.

Though the book is fictional, Jonathan shares an important characteristic with his main protagonist, Sam Carrier. They both have Tourette Syndrome. In JERK, CALIFORNIA, Jonathan pulls from his own painful journey to self-acceptance in order to craft a life-altering tale that both motivates and inspires.

A school teacher for 14 years, Jonathan is now a full-time writer; he also heads up a writing program targeted specifically at gifted young writers and speaks about Tourette Syndrome to groups around the globe.

“Sam and his story are quixotic in the best possible way: he is a good-hearted dreamer trying to do right by his dulcinea. Debut author Friesen has Tourette syndrome, and he brings complexity and nuance to Sam’s struggle for understanding and self-acceptance. The pacing is leisurely, but like any good road story, there are enough corners and bends to keep readers eagerly anticipating what lies ahead at the journey’s end.” — Booklist

WHAT: Chat with Jonathan Friesen , Author of JERK, CALIFORNIA
WHEN: Thursday, November 20th @ 9pm ET
HOW TO CHAT: Click Here: TKA CHAT ROOM Enter a username and password. Login.