Karen Brichoux

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Karen, I've really enjoyed reading all of your books. It's really interesting picking up on the pieces that you put in there about your childhood.
your niece, Jessica
Thanks, Jess! Ah, but how much of it is actually real? That is the question....

Hi Karen, just finished Coffee & Kung Fu, had a great read. Slightly zany, serendipitous, follow your heart, chop wood carry water, and don't swim in the shallow water too long: perfect! I took a photo of Jackie Chan's handprint cast in plaster in a restaurant wall in Hong Kong a dozen years ago and would mail it to you as a thank you for the fun I had reading your book, but it has wandered and I don't know where to find it so the telling of it will have to do. Thanks, John.
LOL. Thanks, John.--KB


Hi, Karen, treat yourself to a fountain pen too! It will help you fall in love with writing all over again.
Lunytoucan@aol.com
You're absolutely right, Lunytoucan! I also like journal books with heavier paper. --KB

Thank you for all the help you give to me and others. Someday maybe I'll have a book to show for me efforts and I will be able to thank you for help and inspiration.

I just finished reading Separation Anxiety last night before bed and loved the ending! I randomly came across your book and was drawn in by the title and the information on the back. I'm very glad I bought the book and am now looking forward to reading your other three. I'm definitely going to be recommending your books to others; your style of writing is different and enjoyable.

It was very strange walking into a store in small-town Nebraska and seeing a book with a last name that was familiar. I was raised in the Philippines and went to Nasuli and Faith with a Brichoux. Now, I'm excited to read your book, Falling into the world.

Karen, wow, it's a strange world. I walked into Dollar General with a friend and there was your newest book on the shelf. Since I recognized the last name I picked it up. I went to school, Nasuli and Faith, with a Brichoux. He was a year ahead. So I had to get your book, especially when I saw that you, too, were an MK in the Philippines. After reading a few of the comments, I know I'm going to love your book

Hi Karen! I was introduced to your book Coffee and Kung Fu through a friend and LOVED it! I'm soon to start Separation Anxiety, and am excited about working my way through your books. Would love to read a sequel about Nicci and Ethan! Keep up the good Work!

Karen, I just want to say that I love your books. I own all of them, except the new one. Coffee and Kung fu is my favorite. The cover got me interested and the name Jackie Chan made me pick it up. I've lost count how many times I've read it. In my own writing the characters are often reading a Karen Brichoux book. Of course those haven't been published so I guess it really doesn't help. Anyway, best of luck in the future and be happy knowing that men love your books to. It's nice to see that women are as screwed up as we are. Lorne

Dear Karen, Since we've both been so busy, thought I could keep up with you here, and at long last I signed up for your newsletter. Can't say I care for your taste in music, but I'm flexible. I always love to know what you're reading and thinking about. This is such a nice website. Thanks for the link! Love, Your sister Janeanne Houston


Karen, I've been reading Coffee & Kung Fu..and it's awesome...I feel like my life relates to Nicci in more than one way...I love the way she thinks...I almost think of what she is going to say next as if I know her. Keep writing....I need more books like this!!!

Dear Karen, Ever since I started reading in English (I am originally from Ukraine), I realized that I should make my own “To read” and “Not to read” list. Reading in English was hard at first, but finding good authors besides those classical I’d read in school was even harder. I started my life from scratch, and that included the favorite part of the house - my home library. Nabokov’s English version of “Lolita” was my first and very tall bridge from Russian into English, and I still wish someone would translate Herve Bazin into English (the Russians did!) Despite the “Best-seller” list, I have not found too many memorable new authors on this side of the ocean… until I found your words. From the first two lines of “Coffee & Kung Fu” your name ended up in the “To read” column, and I’m hungry for more. Tonight I’ve finished “Separation anxiety” (I know, I know, just call it “savoring”), and I have “Falling Into The World” on my table waiting for Wichita to stop running in my head. My boss says that I write in English the way I speak. And so do you. I adore the way you break the rules; you end, and begin sentences where the mind makes a mental pause. Every frown, every scratch feels so real… Thank you for being found. I beg to forgive me if I sound like a snob. Karen, you’re amazing! Your fan forever, Maryana.

Karen--Many thanks for coming out on a cold, icy Kansas evening to talk with our book club. We really appreciated the conversation and insights you gave us on Coffee and Kung Fu as well as the world of book publishing. We hope many other book clubs take you up on your offer to attend a gathering or participate in a phone interview. It was great. Thanks again--Quail Run Staff Book Club in Lawrence, Kansas

I had Coffee and Kung Fu in my Barnes & Noble Wishlist forever and when I finally got around to reading it, I was delighted and filled with nostalgia over your tales about growing up in the Philippines. That was my hometown but I've been New York based for three years now so it was nice to re-visit Manila and Baguio through your book, if only in memory. And I learned something new, who knew the sambac in jasmine sambac is our sampaguita? I'm reading The Girl She Left Behind now and will be reading Separation Anxiety next. And I'm looking forward to all your still-to-be written books. Thanks! Betsy in NY

Hi Karen! After stumbling across Coffee and Kung Fu a few years back, I have been hooked on your writing. I bought both Separation Anxiety and The Girl She Left Behind the day they came out, and I am absolutely dying to read Falling Into The World (I just read chapter 1 -- I love it so far!!) I wish it could come out sooner! I can't wait. I'm so happy to see that you have yet another book to come out. I'm sure I'll love it as the rest of them. Best wishes, Nicole K.

I have reread all three books (for the third or fourth time) and am waiting VERY impatiently for "Falling Into the World." Please hurry. :o). Jennifer in Maine

It's almost tough to leave a comment when others have so nicely expressed what I would. Just like others here, I adore these characters, the writing, the themes. It's almost strange to read something that is so real and so warmly intelligent (not exactly sure what that means, but it still seems appropriate:)). Pretty sure I've never read anything and felt like I was falling for the protagonist before. Thank you so much!!! --David, Phx,Az

I just read Coffee & Kung Fu... my sisters both told me I HAD to read it. It was a wonderful book, and I can not wait to read more of your novels!!! I really liked how the relationships between the characters was so like real relationships people have. I am so glad I read it, and feel blessed to have stumbled upon such a talented authors. Cheers Mary Phoenix,AZ

Hi Karen It was so nice to meet you today at the Borders event! Hope to meet you again very soon, and I look forward to reading The Girl She Left Behind. Warm wishes, Carrie Kabak

A new fan. Just read The Girl She Left Behind. Why do we have to wait a YEAR for the next one? I wish you could stumble over diabolical feline, and feed dog more quickly ;) Just kidding! Thanks for a wonderful read! Fran

I just wanted to thank you again for todays live chat..it was truly a pleasure and honor to be a part of... i look forward to finding and reading your books...Jolene... (nascarandbeans)

I picked up Coffee And Kung-Fu because it was on the bargain shelf...now that I've read it I'm wondering why it was there in the first place. Now I'm trying to scrape up enough money to get the rest of your books. Just wanted to say thanks for a great read and keep up the good work. --Rockie, San Pedro, CA

Oh, I must add that "The Girl She Left Behind" has just the right amount of humor - that thing we all need. T. Bonner

Karen, I am the middle aged male at your workshop at the library who bought "The Girl She Left Behind." I read it and found it captivating. It was warm and comfortable with just the right amount of conflict and suspense. And it was very real. What a wonderful story teller you are. I am recommending it to everyone who will listen. You now have a broader audience. Keep up the great work. I look forward to your next book. Highest regards, Timothy Bonner

I'm going to keep this short. i simply adored your books and your passion to write. right now i'm reading Coffee & Kung fu again. I wish I can actually meet Nicci. She seem so real. even thought if she saw me she would walk right by like most girls. Yes I am a guy. The type that girls are looking for but their youthful near sightness as blinded them to see th beauty in front of them. I'm not saying i'm beauty. I'm far from it. i was just saying. Well I love your books can't wait to read more over them. Please keep on writing.

I am very impatiently waiting for The Girl She Left Behind. It feels like I read Coffee and Kung Fu ages ago. I have reread both C & K and Separation Anxiety twice this year and I really need something new. P.S. All your talk of gardening and hostas has inspired me to go to Home Depot and liven up my sad yard. :o)

Karen, I was given a gift certificate for the bookstore and had no idea what to get. Then I saw the pink cover with the yellow coffe cup for Coffee & Kung-fu so being a martial artist and a struggling writer I knew I had to pick it up. I was blown away and inspired. I read it faster than I read any novel before, that's a good thing, and I had to go out and get Seperation Anxiety. Great work. I am struggling with getting published, getting people to read my work, but I hope that someone else out there feels the way I felt about your novel. Thanks. Lorne, Thunder Bay Ontario.

hi karen,fantastic website. wishing you all the best for 2005. linda ontario,canada

Hi! I'm a girl from Norway. I have just read "Coffee and Kung Fu" as a school assigment. I just have to say that I REALLY enjoyed reading it!Magnificent! I will asure you that I will recommend this book to my classmates in my book review :D:D Greetings from Nina in Norway!

Karen, everything you write somehow manages to be witty and touching at the same time. Not only that, it sounds TRUE. I can't wait for the next one. Sarrah

Hi Karen, had to come over and see your website. I love your new cover. Also, seeing "Smokey" by Will James really brought back memories. I love that book. Jake.

Karen, I just read "Coffee and Kung Fu". The relationship Nicci has with her grandpa is so beautiful and touching and so very real. I could feel the love and attachment she felt for him. I read this book after I read "Separation Anxiety", which is now one of my favorites. You write from your heart and soul. I can hardly wait for your next book. You are a gifted writer. Christine

karen~ Clap Clap Clap Clap. I cant wait to read your next book "Coffee and Kung Fu" was such a great book I couldnt put it down I recoment this book to anyone who has never read a good story. Once again great job.

Great site Karen! I wish you all the best with your writing. Harry Simmons The Little House on the Corner http://hometown.aol.com/dcfive1964/

Hi Karen. I just finished reading your book. I liked it alot. I can relate to Nicci because my life is in a standstill right now. Like her I have a job I don't like. I look forward to reading your next book.

Beautiful look to the site, Karen! The colors are great and the layout's equally great. (Not terribly eloquent- suppose it's a good thing I'm not a "real" writer, yet!) Anyhow, good luck with the rewrites and the moaning in front of the computer and all. Barb

This is my new favorite book! As soon as I finished reading it, I read it again. Can't wait till your next book comes out.


I just finished "Coffee and Kung Fu" in tears. A perfect gem of a book. I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn't Nicci and that this wasn't my life, of course it is this element of familiarity that touches your readers, pulls us in and fills us with emotion. Could we find out what happens with Nicci and Ethan in Hong Kong? A sequel perhaps?

I just started your book and I hit page 42 when I had to stop. It just seemed that page after page, detail after detail, your protagonist reads more and more like the perfect woman -- for my tastes at least. I mean I haven't even had a chance to fall in lust with her and random daydreams of falling in love with her play in my thoughts. Even though I haven't finished yet, thank you for your wonderful character and your fine writing. And I'm off at 1 AM to finish your book. Wish me luck getting through work tomorrow on very little sleep and possibly even finding my own 'Nicci' one day.

karen- this is the kind of thing i want to give the world(i hope to be a writer). It's funny, sad, makes you think and wonder, a great combination. I can't wait to read more of your stuff

Karen, ...wow. I'm really impressed. I'm not totally finished yet, but Coffee & Kung Fu is the perfect mix of everyday life and.. not so everyday life. I really got in touch with Ethan because I work in a coffee shop very much like the one in the book, and I know some Jimmy-type people who make the world worthwhile, you know? I am just entering college this fall and am considering English as a major - specifically writing and literature, and I think you're a great influence. Just thought I'd let you know. So, yeah.. thanks. :-) Hugs and jasmine tea leaves, Katheryn.

Hi Karen! I'm so happy I stumbled upon your site. I have to be honest.. I can't remember the last time I read a book for enjoyment..I just don't do it. But, I saw the excerpt in cosmo and have been looking for a sort of a hobby. Well.. I couldn't put the book down. I was sad when it was over! Felt like I got attached to the characters. You must write another book!! I can't wait :o) Laura

Coffee and Kung Fu was an excellent read. I can't wait for your next novel. Thank you for expanding my mind. Was the first book I've read in years that I did not have to read.

Coffee and Kung Fu... Was a great read. Do you have any other books out? gigglechild@yahoo.com

Gigglechild--My next book, Separation Anxiety, is due out in June 2004.---best, Karen

Oh my god, i had to go and buy it at bn.com. Thanks so much for making my weekend.

Karen~~ I seen the entry in Cosmo mag and absolutely had to go get the book!! I got the last one and the bookstore..I started reading on the 6/18 and read 202 pages of it!! Can't wait to get home tonight to read the rest...Nicci thinks so much like me in the way my head spins thinking about everything!! Coffee and Kung Fu rocks and can't wait till the next book comes out.. You have a fan in Illinois!! Jaime--Mt. Vernon Illinois

Karen, I read an entry from your book in Cosmopolitan. I got so excited about reading your book so, I went to my local library and they didn't have it! BUMMER! You'll be pleased to know that they will be ordering the book. Tamara

Oh my gosh. I had just bought Coffee and Kung Fu yesterday (June 16) And I just started reading it this morning (June 17) and I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!!! I read the whole thing beginning to end. I love your work!!! Keep it up!

Karen, I loved the exerpt of Coffe and Kung Fu at your website. Your style is warm and real and fun to read. I look forward to reading the entire book. Congratulations from a fellow Jackie Chan fan. ;) M.S.

Love your website!! It's fun!! Can't wait to read Coffee & Kung Fu!! Wishing you much success!Martha Lawson

Great website. I really like your sense of style in regards to writing. Thank you.

Hi Karen, Just wanting to let you know that you now have a fan in Germany. Was lucky enough to get my hands on your book and can't wait for the next! K. A.