i read indie: Character Interview: The Summer I Learned to Dive by Shannon McCrimmon

Character Interview With Finn Hemmings from The Summer I Learned to Dive by Shannon McCrimmon

Haley Ram as Finn (Dream Cast)

Jeremy Sumpter as Jesse (Dream Cast)

Finn, take me back to your graduation day. I'm sure you woke up that morning knowing it was going to be a day that changed your life, but you obviously didn't expect it to change as drastically as it did. Is there a part of you that wonders what would have happened if you hadn't found those letters from your grandparents?

“I wonder about that a lot. What if? Before I found their letters, everything I did in my life was planned out. I wasn't a very spontaneous person; I never did anything on a whim. But after I found the letters, everything I thought I knew was thrown out the window. I would've never gotten on a bus in the middle of the night to travel to Graceville, SC. I wouldn't have had all of the experiences I did in Graceville, from meeting my family, to getting a job, to making new friends, and falling in love.”

How do you think your summer would have been different?

“It would have been the same as all the other summer's had been for me: sitting inside reading tons of books, hanging out with my mom a lot, studying for school (I studied more than the average person), and volunteering at The American Cancer Society. I didn't have any friends in Tampa that I hung out with. And I wasn't dating anyone. So, most of the summer would have been spent alone or with my mom. My summer in Graceville was the best I've ever had! I really learned what it means to have fun and to love.”

Tell us about Jesse.

(Smiles) “Sorry, I can't help but smile when you mention his name.” (Deep breath). “He's incredibly good looking, intelligent, and caring. My grandparents adore him. Most people do because he's always in a good mood. He's loves jazz music and is totally addicted to chocolate milk. And his laugh, (gushes) it's this loud boisterous laugh that I just love to hear. And he can cook. I love his chicken cacciatore. Sometimes I wonder if he's human because he's so strong. He has no problem lifting anything – he's full of muscles.

Sigh. Speaking of relationships, how is your relationship with your mom?

“It's on the mend. It's hard when you've trusted someone your entire life and then discover they've been keeping secrets from you. We're working through things, slowly.”

Do you consider yourself the "new Finn" or the "old Finn" with a new outlook?

“I'm the old me with a new outlook on life.”

What do you consider to be your Nana's best dessert?

All of her pies are good. But her cherry pie is my favorite.

Your new friends, Meg and Hannah, dolled you up in new clothes and makeup. Are you dressing up more now or do you still prefer shorts and t-shirts?

“I still prefer to wear shorts and t-shirts during the spring and summer and jeans and t-shirts when it's cold outside. Every now and again, I'll dress up, but that's only for special occasions like dates with Jesse.”

What cosmetic item could you not live without?

“I don't wear a lot of make up unless Meg puts it on me. But I can't live without my pink lipgloss. It's my fashion staple.”

Do you and Jessie have pet names for each other? If so, do tell!

(Blushes) “Yes, but that's between us.”

(Interview questions provided by Audrey Perrott from Type A Freelance.)

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