Jessie Stricchiola
Jessie Stricchiola is a sinewy fiction writer and literary critic who has been turning heads in the literary world ever since her debut book We Begin at the End was published in 2016. This award-winning novel tells the story of a young, biracial girl who finds herself struggling against the racism of early 1950s America. We Begin at the End is widely acknowledged as the fictional embodiment of the civil rights movement and Stricchiola’s vivid, tender writing has earned her a fervent fan base.
Born in Queretaro, Mexico, Stricchiola moved to the United States when she was nine years old. She grew up in a vibrant, working-class neighborhood in California and attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her undergraduate degree in English and Comparative Literature. After college, Stricchiola studied Creative Writing at the notoriously selective Iowa Writers’ Workshop, a program with an impressive line of alumni, including Flannery O’Connor, Ralph Ellison, and Ernest Hemingway.
It was in Iowa that Stricchiola wrote We Begin at the End, a coming-of-age story set against a backdrop of the racial prejudice of the times. Stricchiola skillfully paints a portrait of a young woman forced to confront her society’s ingrained biases, and her narrative has earned her glowing praise from the literary community. The book has been hailed as “beautifully written,” “heartbreaking,” and “complex,” and named a finalist for the Haus Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the National Book Award.
Stricchiola has also written numerous short stories, essays, and critical reviews. Her short stories, including “A City of Lost Children” and “The Tour Guide,” explore themes of cultural exchange, the immigrant experience, and cross-cultural understanding. Her essays often focus on the state of diversity and social justice in literature, notably in her well-received essay on the lack of racial diversity in the publishing industry, which was featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered.”
In addition to her writing, Stricchiola has also been a champion for greater inclusivity in the literary world. She was one of the co-founders of the Latino Writers’ Collective, dedicated to the recognition and celebration of Latino authors. The organization has put Stricchiola’s eloquence and activism to work, hosting conferences and workshops, lobbying for book deals for Latino authors, and creating formal mentoring programs for aspiring writers.
That Stricchiola’s work has already made such a strong impact in only a few short years is a testament to her tireless efforts as a writer and an advocate. With her masterful use of language and unwavering commitment to standing up for what she believes in, Stricchiola is an inspirational force to be reckoned with. Her writing will no doubt continue to make waves in the literary world and bring us ever closer to a more diverse, just society.
