MEET NOREEN
SUMMERTIME AND THE READIN’ IS EASY
Noreen Nanja’s first book, The Summers Between Us, is a contemporary romance.
Name: Noreen Nanja. Noreen means “luminous or dazzling” and Nanja means “merciful”.
Currently: My first book, The Summers Between Us, is my debut contemporary romance. It’s about Lia Juma, a buttoned-up corporate lawyer who has a carefully constructed life that appears perfect from the outside. But when she returns to her family’s cottage property, she is reunited with Wesley Forest, her first love and first heartbreak. In this final summer at the lake, Lia is confronted by past choices and family pressures and must decide whether a second chance at love is worth risking everything. Told across five years in the past and one summer in the present, Lia will learn that the only way to happiness is the heart’s deepest scars. See review here.
My life in 50 words (more or less!): I am a contemporary romance author, a Canadian who has lived across multiple provinces and a second-generation immigrant from the Indian diaspora. In my free time, I read, search for the best local lattes and love spending time with my family and friends. In addition to writing, I work in healthcare and enjoy being able to make a difference every day.
The writer in me took flight when: I discovered Meg Cabot’s Book Club forum as a teen and grew my baby writer wings by dabbling in Mediator fanfiction. Eventually, after binging and obsessing over books for so many years, I decided to try my own hands at a romance novel.
My favourite line in literature: Honestly, I don’t think I can pick. Different lines resonate with me at different times for a variety of reasons!
Favourite colours: Since I was a kid, purple’s been my favourite colour. I became even more obsessed when I read Alanna: The First Adventure and learned of her purple eyes. I thought if I had them, I too would have magic!
Favourite designer: I don’t think I own any designer clothing, I’m more partial to stretchy pants so I’d have to just say Lululemon or Alo Yoga.
Favourite movie: I can’t just pick one! Off the top of my head, I’d say, Mulan, 10 Things I Hate About You, Legally Blonde and a recent one I really enjoyed was Queen of my Dreams.
Favourite musicians: It’s too hard to pick one but I am of the Taylor Swift era, so I’ll go with her!
Favourite songs: Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Ray; Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat Colbie; Style by Taylor Swift; the Wicked soundtrack and the &Juliet soundtrack.
Favourite TV shows: Scrubs, Friends, Parks and Recreation and Ted Lasso. This year, I discovered Shrinking and Nobody Wants This and love them too.
Favourite ice cream flavour: I love Nani’s Gelato in Toronto so basically anything from them. I’m partial to dark chocolate and cookies and cream in general though.
Favourite cuisine: I like food, and basically all of it. I am especially partial to spicy Indian food, and Thai food and am also always down for sushi, or Chinese food or baked goods or...you get the idea.
Favourite restaurant: It’s incredibly hard to pick but I have a soft spot for Congee Queen here in Toronto.
Favourite sports: I used to do Muay Thai and I miss it! Otherwise I enjoy running slowly or lifting weights.
Favourite sportsperson: Hard to pick as I don’t follow sports closely. Ted Lasso is probably as close as I’ve gotten to regularly watching sports.
Favourite author: There are so many wonderful authors that it’s so hard to pick from. Some authors who I’ve really admired include Kennedy Ryan, Farah Heron, Saumya Dave, Carley Fortune, Aurora Palit, Ali Hazelwood, and Christina Lauren.
Favourite activities: Reading, writing, and taking my dog for long walks when I’m having a calm day at home. When I’m out, I love checking out coffee shops and restaurants, going to group fitness classes, meeting up with friends and exploring the city.
I hang out: On the couch, at a coffee shop or in a library.
I’m freaked out by: Insects. Please, get them away!
I need: Good books to read, quality time with friends and family and dessert!
The Summers Between Us by Noreen Nanja is published by Random House, $26.
My role models: I admire Saumya Dave and how she’s able to balance being a physician with her author career.
Tips to save the planet: Be mindful about what you’re consuming and how you can reduce your waste.
In a perfect world: People would be kind to each other and the planet.
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