Award-winning novelist and educator, known for exploring themes of family, identity, and social justice in her literary works, particularly in the context of African American experiences.
Susan Straight is a renowned American writer, best known for being a National Book Award finalist for her novel Highwire Moon in 2001. With a prolific career spanning over three decades, Straight has established herself as a prominent figure in the literary world, with a diverse range of publications to her credit.
Susan Straight was born on October 19, 1960. She attended John W. North High School in Riverside, California, and simultaneously took classes at Riverside Community College. She went on to earn a scholarship to the University of Southern California and later earned her M.F.A. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst's MFA Program for Poets & Writers in 1984.
Straight has published eight novels, a novel for young readers, and a children's book. Some of her notable works include:
In addition to her novels, Straight has written essays and articles for various national publications, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Nation, and Harper's Magazine. She is also a frequent contributor to NPR and Salon.
Straight has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including:
Straight is a Distinguished Professor of Creative Writing and the director of the graduate program at the University of California, Riverside. She co-founded the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing & Writing for the Performing Arts program at the university. Straight lives in Riverside, California, and has three daughters.
Susan Straight's work has had a significant impact on modern society, exploring themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Her writing has been praised for its lyrical prose, nuanced character development, and thought-provoking storytelling, resonating with readers from diverse backgrounds.
Through her extensive body of work, Susan Straight has left an indelible mark on the literary world, inspiring a new generation of writers and readers alike. Her contributions to the world of literature are a testament to her dedication to the craft, and her legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.
95 Years Old
A celebrated author and editor, renowned for crafting powerful, poignant novels that explore the African American experience, particularly the lives of black women, and the horrors of slavery and racism.
82 Years Old
A celebrated author of powerful, poignant stories and poems that explore the experiences of African American women, delving into themes of identity, oppression, and social justice. Her works are known for their emotional depth and lyrical prose.
85 Years Old
An award-winning writer and educator, celebrated for blending Chinese folklore with American experiences in her memoirs and novels, exploring identity, culture, and feminism.
74 Years Old
An acclaimed author of novels, essays, and short stories that explore the Chinese-American experience, delving into themes of identity, culture, and family. Her works are known for their poignant storytelling and vivid characters.
58 Years Old
Award-winning author of poignant and nuanced stories that explore the Indian-American experience, delving into themes of identity, culture, and belonging.
Born in 1891
A celebrated author and anthropologist who explored African-American culture through novels, stories, and folklore, particularly in the rural South during the early 20th century.
76 Years Old
Award-winning author of novels and essays that explore the experiences of African American women, delving into themes of identity, community, and social justice.
57 Years Old
A Haitian-American novelist and short story writer, crafting vivid tales that explore the Haitian diaspora experience, identity, and social justice. Her works often blend magical realism with poignant storytelling.