An Interview with Katarina Bivald, Author of “The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend”

Back in November, I got the chance to read an advance copy of Katarina Bivald’s The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend. I described it as the perfect book to read when the snow falls, curled up in a chair with a steaming mug of something delicious. Well, the snow is falling now, and the book is out on shelves for all to read. If you are a book-lover who is craving a feel-good, predictable love story to get you through a little missing sunshine, this is it.

I also got the change to send a few questions to Katarina about writing the book, and what she’s reading lately.

What was your inspiration for The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend Can you remember a single moment when you said “I am going to write THIS book”?

No, but I can remember the moment when I said to myself: I am going to write a book. That, for me, was the important turning point. I had been writing all my life, but not very focused; starting ideas and then abandoning them and starting over again with a new one. So I said to myself: write any book you like, just pick an idea randomly, it doesn’t have to be good, it will probably never get published, but finish something.

The only thing I knew when I started was that, since I wrote mainly as practice, I would write the kind of book I myself love to read. And I love books about small American towns, quirky characters, unexpected friendships, love – and books, of course.

Q: The story is somewhat predictable, from the very beginning. Of course we know Sara will stay and that she and Tom will fall in love. But we want to see it happen! (the mark of a great book, by the way) Did you know what the ending would be when you started writing? 

The original idea, the one that I chose randomly, was to write the (rather predictable and worn out) book about a person who marries for a green card, but with a collective angle: having a town propose to a woman. And I knew absolutely, without even having to think about it, that mine would be a happy ending.

Q: Which character did you have the most fun creating? 

Caroline, I think, because she came as the most surprise to me. Or Andy, because, well, he’s Andy. The character who’s creation affected me most deeply is Amy, because she died. (Abbigail’s note: not a spoiler: you find out rather soon.)

Q: What is on your “to be read” pile right now? 

I don’t have a “to be read” pile as much as an apartment overflowing with books I haven’t read yet. They are in every room and every corner and on every table and flat surface and sometimes even on a bookshelf. I try not to read because I have to – I believe that there should be no “should” when reading – but I have to admit all those unread stories are starting to weigh on me. Perhaps I’ll have to lock myself up in the apartment for a few months and finish them all.

You can read my full review of book here. 

Sourcebooks, Katarina’s publisher, is hosting a contest called “Readers, Recommend Your Bookstore.” The contest allows you to nominate your favorite independent bookstore to possibly win $3,000, and it runs through February 19th. You can go nominate your favorite indie bookstore here. Do!

Do you have a favorite book that’s about books? Share it in the comments below – I’d love to read it!