Awesome Authors: Mover and Shaker Peter Morton Coan Interviewed on His Latest Book: Toward a Better Life Sponsored by The Made in USA Brand Certification Mark
Peter Morton Coan
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Peter is a Mover and Shaker:
We loved Ellis Island Interviews in 2009:
And today we chat with Peter on his latest and greatest, Toward a Better Life:
Peachy Deegan: What should most people know about immigration to America that most do not know?
Peter Morton Coan: The vast subculture of illegal immigration.
What is the best-kept secret of Ellis Island?
The secret medical experiments that were performed on immigrants.
How long did it take you to write Towards a Better Life?
More than two years.
When were interviews conducted of people that have now passed?
These were interviews I had done in the early 1990s.
What are your favorite 5 stories in Towards a Better Life and what do you like most about them?Cesar Millan ("The Dog Whisperer") because he exemplifies how far you can come from scratch; but also, French master chefs Andre Soltner and Jacques Pepin, the Dream Act students, and Steve Keschl - New York City's longest-tenured doorman. He's held the same job in the same building for over 52 years! He's finally earned Saturdays and Sundays off!
What were your goals when you began this book and did they change as the project evolved?
The goal was to deliver a representative and compelling mix of stories across 120 years of immigration history.
How did you want this to be similar to or different from your last book?
I wanted it to be different in that we heard the voices of both Ellis Island-era immigrants and Modern-era immigrants.
How many additional interviews did you do for this book that did not make the cut for publishing? Over a hundred.
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
Harry Chapin.
What are you proudest of and why?
My wife and kids - for the obvious reasons.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
Maybe have a radio or TV interview show, and actually use my Masters in Broadcast Journalism.
What honors and awards have you received in your profession?
Several. Mostly writing related.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a cocktail party?
Remaining sober.
Who would you like to be for a day and why?
I'm happy with being me.
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and why?
[I'd like] To have your photo on the wall of your favorite restaurant.
If you could have dinner with any person living or passed, who would it be and why?
This would be a long list.
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
Appear in schools to teach children U.S. history and immigration.
Other than Read This of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?
They're all groovy.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I'm a big Buffalo Sabres fan so if you have good seats let me know.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
Email: pmcoan@hotmail.com
