22 Famous Authors From Connecticut – You Won’t Miss This List
Meet the most popular 22 authors from Connecticut. This list highlights writers with great books and strong influence in the literary world.
Jul 28, 20253.8K Shares149K Views
Connecticut has long been a home and muse for some of America’s most celebrated authors. From the 19th-century impact of Harriet Beecher Stowe to the modern success of James Patterson, the state’s literary legacy is both deep and diverse. Whether you're a fan of classic novels, children's stories, or contemporary fiction, Connecticut's authors have contributed significantly to the literary world.
In this article, we'll explore a curated list of renowned authors who have called Connecticut home, highlighting their notable works and contributions to literature. From the groundbreaking narratives of Mark Twain to the imaginative tales of Maurice Sendak, discover how the Nutmeg State has shaped and been shaped by these literary figures.
Stay with us as we delve into the stories behind these authors and their enduring works. This is a list you won't want to miss!
Rufus Sage
Rufus Sagewas born on March 17, 1817, in Cromwell, Connecticut, previously known as Middletown. He was the youngest of seven children. After his father's death when he was nine, Sage self-educated and began working as a printer for a local newspaper. In 1836, he moved to Ohio, where he worked as a teacher and journalist. He later became involved in political campaigns and organized a debating club. In the early 1840s, Sage embarked on a journey to the American West, joining a group of traders and exploring the Rocky Mountains. He documented his experiences in his book "Scenes in the Rocky Mountains," published in 1846, which provides a detailed account of frontier life and the challenges faced by fur trappers. Sage returned to Connecticut, where he married and lived until his death on December 23, 1893.
"Scenes in the Rocky Mountains" is Sage's most notable work, offering firsthand insights into the American frontier during the mid-19th century. The book combines travel narrative with observations on geography, indigenous cultures, and the daily life of mountain men. Sage's writing contributes to the genre of frontier literature, capturing the spirit of exploration and the complexities of westward expansion. While he did not receive major literary awards, his work remains a valuable resource for understanding this period in American history.
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Gilbert Eastman
Gilbert Eastmanwas born on September 12, 1934, in Middletown, Connecticut. He attended the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford, graduating in 1952, and then earned a bachelor's degree in art from Gallaudet University in 1957. He later became the first deaf person to receive a master's degree in drama from the Catholic University of America in 1963 . Eastman was a prominent figure in deaf theater and education. He founded the Drama Department at Gallaudet University, serving as its chair from 1963 to 1992 . He was also a founding member of the National Theatre of the Deaf, where he acted, directed, and taught . His notable works include the plays Sign Me Aliceand an American Sign Language (ASL) adaptation of Antigone, performed at the Kennedy Center in 1973 . He authored several books, such as From Mime to Sign(1989) and a biography of Laurent Clerc, a pioneer in deaf education . Eastman's work often explored themes of deaf identity and communication. He developed Visual Gestural Communication (VGC), a method using gestures and body language to facilitate understanding among deaf individuals.
Eastman's contributions significantly impacted American culture and the deaf community. He co-hosted the television program Deaf Mosaicfrom 1985 to 1995, earning an Emmy Award in 1993 . His efforts highlighted issues of accessibility and representation for deaf individuals. In recognition of his achievements, Gallaudet University awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2002 and named a theater in his honor . Eastman passed away from cancer on December 2, 2006 . He is celebrated in Connecticut for his pioneering work in deaf theater and education, making him one of the state's most distinguished figures in these fields.
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Nathan Daboll
Nathan Dabollwas born in 1750 in Groton, Connecticut. Despite limited formal education, he excelled in mathematics and began his career as a cooper. His mathematical skills led him to teach at the Academic School in Plainfield, Connecticut, and later to operate a navigation school in Groton, where he instructed over 1,500 seamen in navigation and nautical astronomy. In 1811, he was invited to teach midshipmen aboard the USS President. Daboll authored several influential works, including Daboll's Schoolmaster's Assistant, a widely used arithmetic textbook adapted to American weights and measures, and Daboll's Practical Navigator, a comprehensive guide for seamen. He also published numerous almanacs under his name and the pseudonym "Edmund Freebetter," which combined practical information with political commentary during the American Revolution.
Daboll's contributions significantly impacted American education and maritime practices. His arithmetic textbook became a standard in schools, praised for its practicality and relevance to American students. His almanacs were popular for their blend of useful data and engaging content, serving as essential resources for farmers and sailors. Herman Melville even referenced Daboll's arithmetic in Moby-Dick, highlighting its cultural significance. Daboll passed away on March 9, 1818, in Groton, Connecticut. He is remembered as a prominent figure in Connecticut's history for his contributions to education, navigation, and publishing.
Martha Wadsworth Brewster
Martha Wadsworth Brewsterwas born on April 1, 1710, in Lebanon, Connecticut. She was the daughter of Joseph Wadsworth Jr. and Lydia Brown. In 1732, she married Oliver Brewster, a descendant of Mayflower passenger Elder William Brewster. They had two children: Ruby and Wadsworth. Martha died sometime after 1757, possibly in Lebanon, though the exact date and location of her death remain uncertain. She is recognized as one of the earliest American-born women to publish a book of poetry under her own name. Her notable work, Poems on Diverse Subjects, was first published in New London, Connecticut, in 1757, with a second edition released in Boston in 1758. This collection comprises 21 poems totaling over 1,100 lines, including letters, farewells, eulogies, scriptural paraphrases, and meditations. While her work addresses conventional religious and family themes, it also explores topics such as war, military invasion, and the societal impact of conflict, reflecting a shift from traditional themes and positioning a woman's voice alongside those of male contemporaries.
Brewster's contributions hold cultural and historical significance as she was among the few colonial women to publish poetry before the American Revolution. Her work challenged the traditional roles of women in literature, addressing subjects like the Great Awakening's religious schisms and personal ambition. Despite societal expectations, she valued knowledge and intellect, and her writings suggest early feminist perspectives. Although she did not receive major literary awards, her work was reprinted, indicating a broader audience beyond her immediate circle. There are no known adaptations of her work into films, series, or plays. Brewster is considered a significant literary figure in Connecticut for her pioneering role as a female poet who addressed complex themes, distinguishing her from her contemporaries.
Linda Jaivin
Linda Jaivinwas born on March 27, 1955, in New London, Connecticut, USA, to a Jewish family of Russian heritage. She pursued Asian history at Brown University, graduating with honors in 1977. Her passion for Chinese culture led her to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China, where she worked as a translator and journalist before settling in Australia in 1986 . Jaivin is renowned for her debut novel Eat Me(1995), a bestseller celebrated for its bold and humorous exploration of female sexuality . Another significant work is The Monkey and the Dragon(2001), a memoir-biography detailing her friendship with Taiwanese pop star Hou Dejian against the backdrop of Chinese politics and culture . Her recent non-fiction, The Shortest History of China(2021), offers a concise overview of Chinese history and has been translated into nearly two dozen languages.
Jaivin's literary contributions span both fiction and non-fiction, often delving into themes of Chinese politics, culture, language, and social justice. She has also made significant contributions to film by subtitling notable Chinese films such as Farewell My Concubine(1993) and The Grandmaster(2013) . While she hasn't received major international awards like the Pulitzer or Nobel Prize, she was honored as the UNSW Literary Fellow in 2004 and delivered the prestigious Morrison Lecture at the Australian National University in 2011 . Jaivin's unique blend of cultural insight and literary prowess has solidified her reputation as a prominent figure in both American and Australian literary circles.
Cathleen Falsani
Cathleen Falsaniwas born on September 25, 1970, in Stamford, Connecticut, and raised in Huntington, Connecticut. She grew up in a Roman Catholic family of Irish and Italian descent but transitioned to evangelical Protestantism during her youth. Falsani attended Christian Heritage School in Trumbull, Connecticut, graduating in 1988. She earned a bachelor's degree from Wheaton College, followed by master's degrees in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School and in theological studies from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
Falsani is best known for her debut book, The God Factor: Inside the Spiritual Lives of Public People(2006), which profiles 32 public figures discussing their spiritual beliefs. This work was recognized as one of the best nonfiction books of 2006 by The Christian Science Monitor. Her other notable books include Sin Boldly: A Field Guide for Grace(2008), The Dude Abides: The Gospel According to the Coen Brothers(2009), and Belieber!: Fame, Faith and the Heart of Justin Bieber(2011). Falsani's writing, primarily in non-fiction, often explores the intersection of faith, culture, and social issues. She has addressed topics such as grace, justice, and the spiritual dimensions of popular culture. Her journalism career includes roles as religion writer and columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times(2000–2010), web editor and director of new media for Sojourners, and senior editor at Religion Dispatches. In recognition of her work, she was named the 2005 James O. Supple Religion Writer of the Year by the Religion Newswriters Association and has been a finalist for the Templeton Religion Reporter of the Year award.
Clare Beams
Clare Beamsis an American author born in Connecticut, known for her work in fiction that often blends historical settings with elements of magical realism. Her notable works include the short story collection We Show What We Have Learned(2016), which won the Bard Fiction Prize and was a finalist for the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize, the Young Lions Fiction Award, and the Shirley Jackson Award. She has also published two novels: The Illness Lesson(2020), a New York Times Editors' Choice that was longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, and The Garden(2024), which was inspired by the history of diethylstilbestrol and was also a New York Times Editors' Choice.
Beams' writing is characterized by its exploration of women's experiences, often delving into themes of transformation, the body, and the intersection of the real and the surreal. Her work has been recognized with fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference, the Sewanee Writers' Conference, MacDowell, and the Sustainable Arts Foundation. She has taught creative writing at institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University and the Randolph College MFA program. Beams currently resides in Pittsburgh with her husband and two daughters.
Jeffrey Garten
Jeffrey Garten, born in 1946, is an American economist, author, and academic. He served as the Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade from 1993 to 1995 under President Bill Clinton. Garten was the dean of the Yale School of Management from 1995 to 2005 and continues to teach there as Dean Emeritus. His career includes roles in the Nixon, Ford, and Carter administrations, as well as positions on Wall Street with Lehman Brothers and the Blackstone Group. He has authored several books on global economics and politics, including "A Cold Peace," "The Big Ten," "World View," "The Mind of the C.E.O.," "The Politics of Fortune," "From Silk to Silicon," and "Three Days at Camp David."
Garten's writings focus on international trade, emerging markets, and the global economy. His work has been published in major outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the Harvard Business Review. He has been recognized for his contributions to economics and international affairs, including being named one of the "Top 20 Public Intellectuals" by Foreign Policy magazine in 2005. Garten is married to Ina Garten, host of Food Network's "Barefoot Contessa," and they reside in East Hampton, New York.
Increase N. Tarbox
Increase Niles Tarboxwas born on February 11, 1815, in East Windsor, Connecticut. Orphaned by age nine, he was raised by relatives and worked on farms while pursuing his education. He graduated from Yale College in 1839 and later earned a Doctor of Divinity degree. Tarbox served as pastor of the Hollis Evangelical Church in Framingham, Massachusetts, from 1844 to 1851. He then became secretary of the American Education Society, a role he held until 1884. As a writer, he contributed to various publications and authored works such as "Life of Israel Putnam" (1876) and "Songs and Hymns for Common Life" (1885).
Tarbox's writings focused on religious, historical, and educational themes, reflecting his conservative theological views. He edited the "Diary of Thomas Robbins" and contributed biographies to the New England Historical and Genealogical Register. His work influenced American religious literature and historical scholarship. Tarbox died on May 3, 1888, in West Newton, Massachusetts, after contracting pneumonia during a trip to North Carolina.
Kate Zernike
Kate Zernike, born on December 8, 1968, in Stamford, Connecticut, is a distinguished American journalist and author. She is the daughter of Barbara Backus and Frits Zernike Jr., a physicist who emigrated from the Netherlands in 1956. Her grandfather, Frits Zernike, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1953. Zernike earned her B.A. in history and English from Trinity College at the University of Toronto in 1990 and a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University in 1992.
Zernike is best known for her book The Exceptions: Nancy Hopkins, MIT, and the Fight for Women in Science(2023), which details the experiences of 16 female scientists at MIT who exposed gender discrimination in academia. She also authored Boiling Mad: Inside Tea Party America(2010), providing an in-depth look at the Tea Party movement. Her work primarily falls under non-fiction, focusing on themes such as gender equality, social justice, and political movements. Zernike's reporting has significantly influenced public discourse on institutional discrimination and the challenges faced by women in science. She was part of The New York Times team that won the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting for coverage of global terrorism networks. As of 2025, she continues to reside in New Jersey with her husband and sons.
Claire Nader
Claire Nader, born on July 18, 1928, in Connecticut, is a political scientist and author known for her work on the impact of science on society. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Law and Government from Columbia University and was the first social scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where she conducted civil defense research related to the potential societal aftereffects of a nuclear weapons attack. Nader is the sister of consumer advocate Ralph Nader and has been involved in various civic initiatives, including chairing the Council for Responsible Genetics and founding the Winsted Health Center Foundation.
Her notable work includes the book "You Are Your Own Best Teacher!: Sparking the Curiosity, Imagination, and Intellect of Tweens," published in 2022. This book encourages young readers to embrace self-education and critical thinking, addressing issues such as corporate exploitation and the influence of media on youth. Nader's writing focuses on non-fiction, emphasizing themes of civic engagement, education reform, and the ethical implications of science and technology. Her contributions have influenced discussions on the role of science in society and the importance of empowering individuals, especially youth, to be active participants in democracy.
Peggy Bacon
Peggy Bacon, born Margaret Frances Bacon on May 2, 1895, in Ridgefield, Connecticut, was an American artist and writer renowned for her satirical caricatures and illustrations. Raised by artist parents, she received her early education through tutors and later attended the Art Students League of New York, studying under Kenneth Hayes Miller and John Sloan . Her first book, The True Philosopher and Other Cat Tales, was published in 1919. Bacon illustrated over 60 books, 19 of which she authored, including The Inward Eye, a mystery novel nominated for an Edgar Allan Poe Award in 1952 . Her signature work, Off With Their Heads!(1934), showcases her sharp wit through satirical portraits of art world figures . Bacon's preferred mediums were drypoint etching and caricature, often exploring themes of social satire and human behavior. Her works appeared in publications like The New Yorkerand Vanity Fair, and are housed in institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
In 1934, Bacon received a Guggenheim Fellowship for her contributions to graphic arts . She was elected to the National Academy of Design in 1947 and awarded the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters Gold Medal in 1980 . Despite her significant impact on American art and literature, there is no record of her works being adapted into films, series, or plays. Bacon taught at various institutions, including the Art Students League and Hunter College, influencing generations of artists . She passed away on January 4, 1987, in Kennebunk, Maine, at the age of 91.
Henry B. Carrington
Henry B Carringtonwas born on March 2, 1824, in Wallingford, Connecticut. He graduated from Yale University in 1845 and later studied at Yale Law School. Carrington practiced law in Ohio and was active in politics, helping to organize the Republican Party in 1854. During the Civil War, he served as a colonel in the 18th U.S. Infantry and was later promoted to brigadier general. He played a key role in organizing troops in Indiana and investigating secret societies that opposed the Union war effort. After the war, Carrington commanded the Mountain District of the Department of the Platte and was involved in constructing forts along the Bozeman Trail. His notable works include "Battles of the American Revolution, 1775-81," which is considered his signature work due to its detailed analysis and maps of Revolutionary War battles. Carrington's writings often focused on military history and strategy, reflecting his background and experiences. He passed away on October 26, 1912, in Hyde Park, Massachusetts.
Carrington's contributions to American military history and his efforts in organizing and leading troops during the Civil War have solidified his reputation as a significant figure from Connecticut. His detailed historical accounts and analyses have provided valuable insights into America's military past. While he may not have received major literary awards, his works remain important resources for understanding military strategies and events of the 18th and 19th centuries. Carrington's legacy continues through his writings and the historical impact of his military service.
Standish Lawder
Standish Lawderwas born in 1936 in Connecticut, USA. He pursued undergraduate studies at Williams College and the National Autonomous University of Mexico, followed by graduate work at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. He earned a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University, where his dissertation, later published as The Cubist Cinema, explored the relationship between early film and modern art . Lawder was a prominent figure in the structural film movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s, known for experimental films like Necrology, Corridor, and Raindance. His work often utilized found footage and innovative techniques, reflecting themes of perception and visual experience .
Beyond filmmaking, Lawder contributed to academia as a professor at institutions including Yale, Harvard, and the University of California, San Diego . He also founded the Denver Darkroom, a nonprofit community space for photographers and artists . His films have been preserved by the Academy Film Archive, ensuring their continued influence on experimental cinema . Standish Lawderpassed away on June 21, 2014, in Los Angeles, California.
Ron Palillo
Ron Palillowas born on April 2, 1949, in Cheshire, Connecticut. He was raised in a Catholic Italian-American family and developed a stutter after his father's death from lung cancer when he was 10. His mother enrolled him in local theater to help overcome this, sparking his passion for acting. He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in dramatic arts and later attended Fairfield University. Palillo gained fame for his role as Arnold Horshack on the ABC sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter" (1975–1979), where his character's distinctive laugh and catchphrase "Oooh, ooooh, ooooh" made him a pop culture icon. This role is considered his signature work due to its lasting impact on television and his career.
Beyond acting, Palillo was also an illustrator and playwright. He wrote and illustrated children's books and authored the play "The Lost Boy," about Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie. He taught drama at the G-Star School of the Arts in Florida. Palillo passed away from a heart attack on August 14, 2012, at his home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, at the age of 63. He is remembered as a significant figure in Connecticut's cultural history, particularly for his contributions to television and theater.
Luanne Rice
Luanne Rice, born on September 25, 1955, in New Britain, Connecticut, is a renowned American novelist. She began her literary journey early, publishing her first poem at age 11 and her first short story at 15. Rice's debut novel, "Angels All Over Town," was published in 1985, marking the start of a prolific career. Among her most notable works are "Crazy in Love," "The Lemon Orchard," "The Silver Boat," and "Beach Girls." "Crazy in Love" is often considered her signature work due to its critical acclaim and adaptation into a television movie. Rice's writing primarily falls under fiction, with recurring themes of love, family, nature, and the sea. Her novel "The Beautiful Lost" addresses teen depression, reflecting her advocacy for mental health awareness. Rice's contributions to literature have been recognized with several honors, including an honorary degree from Connecticut College, an honorary doctorate from St. Joseph College, and the 2014 Connecticut Governor’s Arts Award for excellence and lifetime achievement in the literary arts.
Several of Rice's novels have been adapted for television, including "Crazy in Love" for TNT, "Blue Moon" for CBS, "Follow the Stars Home" and "Silver Bells" for the Hallmark Hall of Fame, and "Beach Girls" as a miniseries on Lifetime. She also contributed a monologue to the play "Motherhood Out Loud," which premiered at Hartford Stage Company and was performed Off-Broadway and at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. Rice is an avid environmentalist and advocate for families affected by domestic violence. She is a creative affiliate of the Safina Center, an organization that brings together scientists, artists, and writers to inspire a deeper connection with nature, especially the sea. Rice divides her time between New York City, Old Lyme, Connecticut, and Southern California. Her deep connection to Connecticut, both as her birthplace and current residence, along with her significant literary contributions and recognition, make her one of the state's most celebrated authors.
Candace Bushnell
Candace Bushnellwas born on December 1, 1958, in Glastonbury, Connecticut. She is the daughter of Calvin L. Bushnell, an inventor involved in the Apollo space missions, and Camille Salonia, of Italian descent. Bushnell grew up in a modest New England family and had a tomboyish childhood, enjoying outdoor activities like biking and swimming in local streams. She attended Glastonbury High School and later studied at Rice University and New York University. At 19, she moved to New York City to pursue a writing career, eventually becoming a freelance journalist for publications such as Mademoiselle, Self, and Esquire.
Bushnell is best known for her "Sex and the City" column in The New York Observer, which ran from 1994 to 1996 and was later compiled into a book in 1996. This work became the basis for the HBO television series "Sex and the City" (1998–2004), two subsequent movies, and the revival series "And Just Like That...". Her other notable books include "Four Blondes" (2000), "Trading Up" (2003), "Lipstick Jungle" (2005), "One Fifth Avenue" (2008), "The Carrie Diaries" (2010), "Summer and the City" (2011), "Killing Monica" (2015), and "Is There Still Sex in the City?" (2019). Bushnell's work primarily falls under the fiction genre, often categorized as "chick-lit," and explores themes such as women's independence, relationships, and the complexities of urban life.
Her writings have significantly influenced American culture by highlighting the experiences and challenges of single women in metropolitan settings. In recognition of her contributions, she received the 2006 Matrix Award for books and the Albert Einstein Spirit of Achievement Award. Several of her works have been adapted into television series, including "Lipstick Jungle" on NBC and "The Carrie Diaries" on The CW. Bushnell continues to engage with audiences through various mediums, including her one-woman show "Is There Still Sex in the City?" She is considered one of the most famous authors from Connecticut, having brought national attention to the state's literary contributions through her influential works.
Annie Proulx
Edna Annie Proulx, born on August 22, 1935, in Norwich, Connecticut, is an acclaimed American author known for her vivid storytelling and deep exploration of rural life. Raised in New England and North Carolina, she began writing at a young age and later pursued studies in history, earning degrees from the University of Vermont and Sir George Williams University in Montreal. Proulx's literary career includes notable works such as "Postcards" (1992), which won the PEN/Faulkner Award, and "The Shipping News" (1993), awarded both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Her short story "Brokeback Mountain," published in 1997, gained widespread recognition and was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film in 2005. Her writing often delves into themes of isolation, the human connection to nature, and the complexities of rural American life, particularly in the Northeast and Western states.
Proulx's contributions to literature have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction in 2018. Her works have been adapted into various media, with "The Shipping News" becoming a film in 2001 and "Brokeback Mountain" inspiring both an opera and a stage play. Beyond her fiction, Proulx has addressed environmental issues, notably in her book "Fen, Bog & Swamp," reflecting her concern for ecological preservation. Her profound impact on American literature and her portrayal of the intricacies of rural life have solidified her status as a significant literary figure from Connecticut.
Noah Webster
Noah Websterwas born on October 16, 1758, in the West Division of Hartford, Connecticut (now West Hartford). He was raised in a modest family; his father was a farmer and weaver, and his mother managed the household. At 16, Webster entered Yale College and graduated in 1778. Although he studied law, financial constraints led him to a teaching career. Observing the inadequacies in American education, he authored "A Grammatical Institute of the English Language" in 1783, famously known as the "Blue-Backed Speller," which became a foundational text in American schools. His most renowned work, "An American Dictionary of the English Language," was published in 1828 after 27 years of labor, containing 70,000 words, including many uniquely American terms. Webster's works are primarily non-fiction, focusing on education and language reform, with recurring themes of American identity and independence. He advocated for simplified American English spellings and emphasized the need for American educational materials.
Webster's contributions significantly shaped American culture by promoting a distinct national identity through language. He was an early advocate for abolition, founding the Connecticut Society for the Abolition of Slavery in 1791. Although he did not receive major literary awards, his impact is evident in the continued use of his dictionary, now known as Merriam-Webster. His works have not been adapted into films or series but remain influential in education and linguistics. Webster was also instrumental in establishing copyright laws and co-founding Amherst College. He died on May 28, 1843, in New Haven, Connecticut, at the age of 84.
Wally Lamb
Wally Lamb, born in 1950 in Norwich, Connecticut, is a renowned American author celebrated for his emotionally rich novels. Raised in a working-class Catholic family, Lamb's early life in Norwich and nearby towns inspired the fictional setting of Three Rivers in his books. He holds degrees in education from the University of Connecticut and an MFA in Writing from Vermont College. Lamb began his career as a high school English teacher at Norwich Free Academy, later directing the creative writing program at the University of Connecticut.
Lamb's debut novel, She's Come Undone(1992), gained widespread acclaim and was selected for Oprah's Book Club in 1996. His subsequent novel, I Know This Much Is True(1998), also became a bestseller and was adapted into an HBO miniseries starring Mark Ruffalo in 2020. Lamb's works often explore themes of mental health, family dynamics, and personal redemption. He has received numerous accolades, including the Connecticut Center for the Book’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the New England Book Award for Fiction. Lamb is also known for his 20-year volunteer work at the York Correctional Institution, where he facilitated writing workshops for incarcerated women, leading to the publication of essay collections like Couldn't Keep It to Myself. His contributions to literature and community service have solidified his status as a prominent figure in Connecticut's cultural landscape.
Krystal Marquis
Krystal Marquisis an American author known for her debut novel, The Davenports, published in 2023. While her exact birth state is not publicly documented, she studied biology at Boston College and the University of Connecticut. She currently works as an environmental, health, and safety manager for a major online bookseller. Marquis began writing The Davenportsduring the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) challenge, which led to her first partial draft. In her personal time, she enjoys hiking, visiting used bookstores, and has a playful interest in creating her own Jurassic Park.
The Davenportsis a historical fiction novel inspired by the real-life story of the Patterson family, who owned the first and only Black-owned automobile company in the early 1900s. Set in 1910 Chicago, the book follows four young Black women navigating love, societal expectations, and personal ambitions during a transformative period in American history. The novel explores themes of race, identity, justice, and family. It has received critical acclaim, becoming an instant New York Times bestseller and earning accolades such as a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year, #1 Indie Next Pick, and awards from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA), Heartland Booksellers, and the African Americans On The Move Book Club (AAMBC). The book is also being developed into a series by Prime Video.
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