Written by: Jack Thompson

Tom Perrotta: The Acclaimed Novelist and Screenwriter Behind Election and Little Children

The Man Behind the Page-Turners

Tom Perrotta is an American novelist and screenwriter best known for his critically acclaimed novels, Election (1998) and Little Children (2004), both of which were adapted into Academy Award-nominated films. His unique blend of wit, satire, and poignancy has captured the hearts of readers and audiences alike, solidifying his place as a master storyteller of our time.

Early Life and Influences

Born on August 13, 1961, in Summit, New Jersey, Tom Perrotta grew up in Garwood, New Jersey, with his family. His father, an Italian immigrant, worked as a postal worker, while his mother, an Albanian-Italian immigrant, was a former secretary. Perrotta's fascination with literature began at an early age, with authors like O. Henry, J.R.R. Tolkien, and John Irving shaping his young mind.

The Journey to Becoming a Writer

Perrotta attended David Brearley High School, where he was an active contributor to the school's literary magazine, Pariah. He later graduated from Yale University in 1983 with a B.A. in English and went on to earn an M.A. in English Creative Writing from Syracuse University. It was during his time at Syracuse that Perrotta was mentored by the acclaimed writer Tobias Wolff, whom he credits for his comedic flair and moral seriousness.

Career Highlights and Major Works

• Election (1998) - A darkly comedic novel about a high school election that has become a cult classic.
• Little Children (2004) - A novel that explores the complexities of suburban life, which was adapted into a film starring Kate Winslet and Jennifer Connelly.
• The Leftovers (2011) - A novel that delves into the mysteries of a global event, which was adapted into an HBO series.

Awards and Honors

Perrotta's work has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for Little Children in 2007. He has also received the PEN/Faulkner Award nomination for Election and the New York Times Notable Book of the Year award for Little Children.

Personal Life and Legacy

Perrotta is married to writer Mary Granfield, and they have two children together. He currently resides in Belmont, Massachusetts, where he continues to write and teach creative writing. With a body of work that has left an indelible mark on modern literature, Tom Perrotta's legacy as a masterful storyteller is cemented in the hearts of readers and audiences everywhere.