5 Things Liz & Lisa Didn’t Know About…Beth Harbison

by Liz

Gotta love summer and all the new releases from  our favorite writers these past few months.  Between great books by Emily GiffinAllison Winn Scotch and Jane Green, our beach bag is getting damn heavy(maybe we can find a hunky lifeguard to carry it for us?). And we’ll have to make room for one more NYT bestselling author because the lovely Beth Harbison has a new book out TODAYThin, Rich, Pretty is a must read! (PS: It’s also her birthday! What a perfect way to celebrate!)

We first fell in love with Beth after reading Shoe Addicts Anonymous and were lucky enough to have her answer 25 Things we wanted to know last year.  Thin, Rich, Pretty is Harbison’s fourth novel and it follows three women as they attempt to escape the bitterness of their past. Poignant and funny, Thin, Rich, Pretty is for any woman who remembers that bratty girl who made fun of her but is happy today in spite of it.

And we’ve got FIVE copies of Thin, Rich, Pretty to give away.  Just leave a comment and we’ll choose the winners by random drawing on Thursday evening.  How easy is that?  So don’t be shy, leave a comment!

Photo Credit: Paige Harbison

Now let’s get to Beth’s five things.  If you’ve never read her books before, we have a feeling you’ll be running out to the nearest Barnes & Noble after checking out what she has to say (just the fact that she could pick us up for lunch in a limo OR a Haz-mat truck makes us love her). She had us LOLing. And that’s saying a lot because we don’t LOL for just anyone…I mean, we might COL(chuckle out loud) occasionally but we’re definitely not LOL whores.(Although *someone* (Liz!) has developed a serious snorting out loud problem lately…)

But now, without further adieu-let’s give a warm welcome to the ultra-fab Beth Harbison!

5 Things Liz & Lisa didn’t know about Beth Harbison!

1. That, when asked to come up with five things people don’t know about me, I really struggled to come up with anything.  Then I realized the no one out there really knows anything about me, so it’s not really five things you don’t know about me that I’m having trouble with but five things about me that might be interesting at all.   So, in conclusion, 1. I’m boring.

2. Except, I’m really not boring, it’s just that all the good stuff about me is secret. I can’t tell you the good stuff without being afraid you’ll blackmail me with it later, or that it will come out the night before the New Hampshire Primaries when I’m running for president and my bid for the White House will be completely ruined because my bossy publicist wanted me to get out here and trumpet myself so people will buy my books.  So 2. I’m running for President.  Someday.

3. I’d be a horrible president.  Really. I don’t understand politics that well and I can’t really keep my own money budgeted, so you don’t want me in charge of yours.  On the other hand, if Katie Couric asked me what magazines and newspapers I read, I could answer.  In fact, I would answer.  Because maybe the People Magazine, InStyle, and Allure people would give me a free lifetime subscription which, believe me, would save me lots of money.  Wait!  Did you catch that?  I was being budget conscious.  So maybe I’d be a pretty good president.  Or at least Governor of California.  Except I don’t know what to do about the oil spill, since Certain People laughed at my “lots and lots of cotton balls” idea.  Incidentally, the White House phone operator didn’t otherwise demonstrate any sense of humor at all, so I don’t think she was laughing with me, so much as at me.  So, yeah, 3. I am not the political expert I appear to be.

4. So clearly if the writing thing doesn’t work out, I’m kind of screwed as far as a career in politics is concerned too. It’s too late to join the military, though drab green is my color, and even if the Peace Corps would have me, I think the fact that I’m afraid to walk around my suburban neighborhood at night — because of all the frogs and rabbits and shushing noises in the trees — might indicate I’m a bad candidate for jungle living.  I actually have a commercial driver’s license and can legally drive a limo, or bus or non-Hazmat truck, but I also have a driving phobia so the CDL is really just for show now.  Really, my greatest asset seems to be that I’ve eaten at virtually every restaurant in Disney World.  And a bunch of good ones in Manhattan as well.  And D.C.  But what job consists of basically eating in fancy restaurants and going to events?  I know!  4. Would make excellent hired escort Vice­-President.

5. I don’t want to be vice-president! For one thing, I kind of like the idea of living in Florida, at least in the winter, and you just know the media would be all over me for leaving Mass Avenue and going on down to Key West for a few months every year.  President Schwarzenegger might also not be too pleased with me for that, because then he’d get a bunch of heat for begging me to be his running mate.  As he should, actually, because you totally know he’d have strong armed me into doing it because he so desperately needed someone with my charm, intelligence, and lack of easily-imitated-by-Tina-Fey annoying accent to boost his ticket.  When you come right down to it, you just know he begged me, using emotional blackmail like “the children of America look up to you and need your guidance” and “only you can pass a bill allowing dogs to vote”.  And frankly I don’t like being manipulated that way, Arnold.  So, I guess, 5. is: I’m going to just keep being a writer as long as I have readers.  But you probably already knew that.

In which case: I am very grateful to have the opportunity to do what I love every day and get paid for it.  Being a working hired escort writer.

To read more about Beth, check out her Facebook fan page or follow her on Twitter.

xoxo, Liz & Lisa

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July 6, 2010 at 7:30 am
Tweets that mention 5 Things Liz & Lisa Didn’t Know About…Beth Harbison | Chick Lit Is Not Dead -- Topsy.com
July 6, 2010 at 9:48 am

Melissa July 6, 2010 at 6:36 am

Beth is really funny. I’d love to win her book. :)

Michelle Gayette July 6, 2010 at 6:43 am

I have all of her books and thoroughly enjoy them! Shoe Addicts unite!

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 6:46 am

I’d love to check out a new-to-me author!

Sally July 6, 2010 at 6:54 am

Loved the Shoe Addicts books, can’t wait to read this one. Boy my reading list is getting long. Glad I have another month of summer vacation. ;)

Stephanie July 6, 2010 at 6:57 am

LOVE LOVE LOVE Beth Harbison!

Crystal Harris July 6, 2010 at 7:02 am

Ive never read any of Beth’s books..but I would love to!

Lacey July 6, 2010 at 7:04 am

I’m new to your site, and am LOVING it! Would love to read this book … always looking for great Summer Beach Reads!!!

Cheryl July 6, 2010 at 7:07 am

<3 her!

Liz July 6, 2010 at 7:07 am

Melissa, yep, she sure is! Good luck. =)

Liz July 6, 2010 at 7:08 am

Michelle, as a self-professed shoe addict myself, I agree! xo

Liz July 6, 2010 at 7:08 am

Lisa, isn’t it fun to find a new author? Good luck! xo

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 7:09 am

Sally- this book is great. You’ll love it!

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 7:09 am

Stephanie- So do we :)

Liz July 6, 2010 at 7:09 am

Sally, I hear ya sista. My TBR list is growing by the minute!

Liz July 6, 2010 at 7:10 am

Stephanie, we do too!!! =)

Liz July 6, 2010 at 7:10 am

Crystal, her books are really fun to read-you’ll love them!

Liz July 6, 2010 at 7:11 am

Lacey, WELCOME! We are so happy you found us! xoxo

Liz July 6, 2010 at 7:11 am

Cheryl, thanks for the comment! xo

Beth (great name, right? lol) July 6, 2010 at 7:15 am

Shoe Addicts is my ALL TIME FAVORITE BOOK!!! Can’t wait to read this one!!!! The title ,itself, already has my attention!! :) xoxoxoBeth

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 7:18 am

Oh Crystal, you are in for some GREAT reading. Beth’s books are fun, relatable and include lots of 80′s references!

Liz July 6, 2010 at 7:18 am

Beth, ha! Yes, great name! Good luck! xo

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 7:18 am

Lacey- Welcome! So glad you’re liking the site :) You’ll love Beth’s latest. Good luck!

susan quezada July 6, 2010 at 7:19 am

Haven’t read any of her books yet, but plan to.

Heidi Milton July 6, 2010 at 7:20 am

Loved the Shoe Addicts, so I’m not surprised she’s so witty!! I’ve been waiting for this one to come out, but of COURSE, would love to feed my book fettish for free! Thanks, Liz and Lisa, for another fun post!!

Keri Warehime July 6, 2010 at 7:31 am

Always looking for a new author to read! Thanks!! Keri

Jennifer Jabaley July 6, 2010 at 7:42 am

Wow, there does seem to be a lot of great new summer reads!! Can’t wait to check this one out!!

Liz July 6, 2010 at 7:42 am

Susan, you should! They are fun-a prefect beach read! xo

Liz July 6, 2010 at 7:43 am

Heidi, good luck! xo

Liz July 6, 2010 at 7:43 am

Keri- you’ll love her! =)

Kelly H July 6, 2010 at 7:50 am

I would love to check out Beth’s writing, as she is a new-to-me author!

Liz July 6, 2010 at 7:51 am

Kelly H, her books are great-you will love her. Thanks for the comment! xo

Shannon July 6, 2010 at 7:59 am

Want to read it now!! Pick me for the free copy!!

Shannon July 6, 2010 at 8:00 am

Need to read this book now!! Pick me for the free copy!!

Maria C July 6, 2010 at 8:02 am

Hi! Thank you so much for featuring Beth Harbison in your “5 things Liz and Lisa didn’t know about..”. It is my very favorite feature on your site, I love reading unknown facts about my fav authors! I adore all her books and they all are on my “keeper” bookshelf. :) Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to win one of her books, but even if I don’t win, I will be picking it up at Barnes and Noble..lol

Addie July 6, 2010 at 8:11 am

Adding Beth to my summer reading list!

Julie July 6, 2010 at 8:18 am

Would love to win a copy! Best way to discover a new author ;)

Laura July 6, 2010 at 8:19 am

Picked up my first Beth Harbison book at a used bookstore and I was hooked! I’ve read all of her books and can’t wait to read this one!

BBBG July 6, 2010 at 8:20 am

What a fun post – and thank you again for introducing me to yet another great author. My beach bag is surely too heavy for even the hunkiest of lifeguards at this point. :-)

Elisa P. July 6, 2010 at 8:29 am

Happy Birthday! I’d love to win the book!

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 8:36 am

Shannon- Good luck :)

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 8:37 am

Maria- So glad you like the “5 things” feature!

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 8:37 am

Addie- Great idea ;)

Nina July 6, 2010 at 8:37 am

I think these are hilarious. I have never heard of Beth Harbison, but I love her after reading this and CANNOT wait to go out and buy this book and her others!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 8:38 am

Julie- So happy we could help you discover her. She’s great!

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 8:38 am

Laura- You’ll love it!

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 8:39 am

BBBG- You’re welcome! And we totally hear ya about the beach bag.

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 8:39 am

Elisa- a birthday and a book release in the same day! How fabulous!

Colleen (Books in the City) July 6, 2010 at 8:45 am

I love Hope in a Jar and would love to win the new book! thanks for featuring Beth!

Steena Holmes July 6, 2010 at 9:13 am

So I have one question … what about chocolate? Please tell me Beth loves chocolate … ;)
Her book is definately one I want on my list!

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 9:21 am

Nina- so happy we could turn you on to a great author! That’s what we’re here for!

Cynthia July 6, 2010 at 9:21 am

I have read all of Beth’s books. Love her!

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 9:23 am

Nina- Btw, love your blog. Whole Paycheck! That’s hilarious. I always think about how expensive it is when I shop there. Ugh. Also- I was so curious about coconut water. Thanks for clearing up the mystery!

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 9:24 am

Colleen- Good luck!

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 9:26 am

Steena- I’m sure she does. She must. Don’t we all? We’ll have to ask her next time!

Andrea July 6, 2010 at 9:37 am

I think writing novels would be far more rewarding and thankful than running for president.

Marybeth Whalen July 6, 2010 at 9:41 am

I read Hope In A Jar and loved it!! I would love to read this newest one!

Kourtney July 6, 2010 at 9:53 am

Hilarious!!! Although I am an LOL whore so I don’t know if I could be the best judge of character. Happy birthday Beth!!! Can’t wait to read the new one!

Ardee-ann July 6, 2010 at 9:53 am

Loved the blog post…it was too cute and fun to read…would love to win the book, sounds GREAT!!! Of course, if I don’t win it I have it on my list to buy. I am going broke buying books. LOL!!!

Ciao Bellas,

Ardee-ann

Carly July 6, 2010 at 10:05 am

Congrats to Beth! This book sounds really intriguing, cant wait to pick it up. Best part is its my 27th B-day today too!
xoxo~carly

Jill G. July 6, 2010 at 10:22 am

Another good book to read…..aaahhh…I can’t keep up!

Kelly July 6, 2010 at 10:27 am

And here I was just wondering what would be my next beach read. Thanks!

Krista July 6, 2010 at 10:28 am

I have to admit, I lol’d at the crossed out “hired escort” both times… I”m in need of some more funny novels so I can toughen up a little :)

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 10:38 am

Andrea- ha! Too funny.

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 10:38 am

Marybeth- good luck & thanks for the comment!

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 10:38 am

Kourtney- It’s okay if you’re an LOL whore. We’ll still love ya!

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 10:39 am

Ardee-ann- We are too!

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 10:39 am

Carly- Happy Birthday! And thanks so much for commenting!

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 10:39 am

Jill- at least these are good problems to have!

Lisa July 6, 2010 at 10:40 am

Krista- that was one of the funniest parts! An LOL is okay there for sure!

Colleen Turner July 6, 2010 at 11:10 am

Happy Birthday Beth!!! This sounds like such a good book..I can’t wait to read it!

Stephanie July 6, 2010 at 11:14 am

Can’t wait to read this one!

Christine July 6, 2010 at 11:39 am

I haven’t read any of her books. I think I should start now.

runner10 July 6, 2010 at 11:58 am

Happy Birthday, Beth!! Thin, Rich and Pretty sounds like a great summer read.

Susan July 6, 2010 at 12:10 pm

LOL!!! Love the cotton ball idea. Beth Harbison is awesome! ! Can’t wait to read “Thin,Rich and Pretty”.

lisa & lisa July 6, 2010 at 12:36 pm

We at Lisa & Lisa Write a Book have an award for you over on our blog, if you’d like to stop by to collect it. :)

Mississippi Mama July 6, 2010 at 12:45 pm

I’d love a chance to win. I loved her other books!

Carrie July 6, 2010 at 12:46 pm

New to your blog…love the “5 things you didn’t know about” posts!

Ann Britt July 6, 2010 at 1:03 pm

I just discovered this author and love her writing! I’ve been enjoying your blog too-it’s given me some great ideas for future reading material!

Liz July 6, 2010 at 1:13 pm

Colleen, thanks for the comment! xo

Liz July 6, 2010 at 1:13 pm

Stephanie, it looks great! Good luck! xo

Liz July 6, 2010 at 1:14 pm

Christine, you totally should, she’s fab! xo

Liz July 6, 2010 at 1:14 pm

Runner10, I couldn’t agree more! xo

Liz July 6, 2010 at 1:15 pm

Susan, I know, maybe she *should* run for president! =)

Liz July 6, 2010 at 1:22 pm

L&L. Thank you so much! I just went and checked out your blog-it’s great! xoxo, another L&L

Liz July 6, 2010 at 1:23 pm

Mississippi Mama, Good luck! xoxo

Liz July 6, 2010 at 1:23 pm

Carrie, So glad you found us!!! xoxo

Liz July 6, 2010 at 1:23 pm

Ann, Thanks! We’re happy that you’re here! xo

Lauri July 6, 2010 at 2:04 pm

Would love to read this book. So many books such little time.

Sharyn July 6, 2010 at 2:15 pm

First of all Happy Birthday Beth!!
I am going to add Thin, Rich, Pretty to my summer reading list for sure. I love the title – who doesn’t want to be Thin, Rich & Pretty???

Liz July 6, 2010 at 2:57 pm

Lauri, I know, right?

Liz July 6, 2010 at 2:57 pm

Sharyn, I do! I do! *jumps up and down*

Michele July 6, 2010 at 3:55 pm

I can’t wait to read this book! It has been on my list for months!

Colleen Turner July 6, 2010 at 5:08 pm

Happy Birthday Beth! She is so funny and this book sounds really good!

Beth July 6, 2010 at 7:22 pm

Oh goodness…I think I love Beth Harbison and I haven’t even read a single book (yet). Not only does she have an AWESOME name, she’s freakin’ hilarious!

Erika July 6, 2010 at 7:41 pm

Great 5 things! I am not off to see if my library has any of your books!

R0byn Lenssen July 6, 2010 at 7:41 pm

i’d love to win beth’s book. i’ve read shoe addicts anonymous and loved it :) ps…so glad i’ve found your site.

Liz July 6, 2010 at 7:51 pm

Michele, I just started it and it’s great! xo

Liz July 6, 2010 at 7:52 pm

Beth, I agree, great name and she is hilarious! xo

Liz July 6, 2010 at 7:53 pm

Colleen, Thanks so much for your comment! xo

Liz July 6, 2010 at 7:53 pm

Erika, hope you find some! xo

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