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Barrington native settles in Costa Rica to write
Since 2006, Barrington native George Harris has been living in Costa Rica and writing novels. | Photos courtesy George Harris
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Updated: December 31, 2012 9:52AM
BARRINGTON — Since 2006, Barrington native George Harris has been living in Costa Rica and writing novels.
Earlier this month, the retired trial lawyer returned to Barrington to promote his series of books, Four Fathers. The first two volumes, “For Whom the Book Tells” and “Huckleberry Friend,” have been published on the Kindle platform with favorable reviews from critics.
Harris explained that the characters in his books are heavily influenced by people he knew growing up in Barrington. The settings in many of his stories also are modeled after Barrington.
Q: How long did you live in Barrington?
A: We moved to Barrington when I was nine.
Q: Why did your family pick Barrington?
A: My dad worked for a company that was located where the Dan Ryan is now, but the company moved to Jewel Park, so that’s why we came to Barrington.
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: The South Side of Chicago.
Q: What about Barrington makes you proud?
A: It was a nurturing environment where everyone knew everyone and there was a real sense of community. It was an amazing place to grow up. It’s just a caring, friendly place.
Q: What was your favorite community event?
A: The Fourth of July activities in Tower Lakes stand out in my mind. Also, the Memorial Day parade in Barrington.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant or entertainment venue in town?
A: The first thing that popped into my mind is Charlotte’s Pizza, but that’s gone. Currently, I don’t know the restaurants.
Q: If you were mayor for the day, what would you do?
A: I think all the communities are very well-run. Something that can’t be changed is the railroad going right through Hough and Main, but that’s been there forever. Really, it’s a well-run community.
Q: What has changed in Barrington since you moved here?
A: I think the change has been predominantly more people, like changes that have occurred in a lot of places in the U.S. Like many places, Barrington has a lot more franchises.
Q: What inspired you to write?
A: As a lawyer, you write all the time. When I came to Costa Rica, I took it easy. In October 2011, my girlfriend suggested I write a book, so I thought about it and launched into it. I was staying at a bed and breakfast that my cousin owns and I was kind of burned out. I was immediately impressed with the climate and natural beauty of Costa Rica and thought this would be a great place to write.
Q: What got you interested in creative writing?
A: My mom was a rare book dealer. I’ve always been a reader and I’ve always been interested in books, particularly novels.
Q: What are your future writing goals?
A: I have six volumes of fiction. The third one will be done in the next six weeks. The first two are out already.
Q: What is your proudest moment or greatest achievement?
A: I have three daughters and I’m proud of all them, and I play Tournament Bridge. Also, I was an accomplished trial lawyer. But for me, family is the most important thing.
Q: What are you reading?
A: I’ve been writing so much, I’ve not really been reading. I’m scouring the Internet because I want information on historical facts. I write fiction, but I like the events to be accurate.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: Hitchcock’s ‘North by Northwest.’
Q: What’s on your iPod?
A: I like rock, blues and some jazz. I also really like the stuff they call classic rock.
Q: What’s your favorite vacation destination?
A: Costa Rica. I live here, so it’s great. You’re not going to run out of beaches. And there’s many, many things to do.”
Q: Are you a summer or winter person?
A: Summer. If I never see snow again, I’ll be happy.
Q: What is your favorite Chicago sports team?
A: I guess I’d have to say the Bulls, but I like the White Sox, too.
