Jonathan Lethem

Jonathan Lethem is a critically acclaimed American novelist, essayist and short story writer. His works mix genres, incorporating elements of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and more. His writing is often characterized by its dark humor, confessional style, and somber themes.

Lethem was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1964. He grew up in a family of cultural institutions, both of his parents being artists and writers. His father, Richard, was an abstract expressionist painter and his mother, Judith, was a psychotherapist and founder of the Children's Defense Fund in New York City.

During his teenage years, Lethem attended high school in a rough area of town and displayed an interest in writing stories. After graduating high school, he attended Dartmouth College, but left after only a year to pursue writing full time.

Lethem published two novels before he rose to national prominence with the publication of his third book, the sci-fi novel Motherless Brooklyn in 1999. This book was so well-received that it became one of the National Book Critics Circle Award's top ten books of the year, and was later adapted into a film directed by Edward Norton.

Lethem published several novels throughout the 2000s and 2010s, including You Don't Love Me Yet, Fortney Orange, Chronic City, and Dissident Gardens. His writing often combines different genres to explore unexpected facets of the human condition. In 2007, he was the recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship.

Lethem's latest book, A Gambler’s Anatomy, was published in 2016. It tells the story of professional backgammon master, Bruno Alexander, who discovers a strange and reoccurring symbol in his dreams. To unravel its meaning, he takes a trip to Berlin, immersing himself in the city’s underground culture. The novel blends a compelling tale of high-stakes gaming, urban exploration, and personal introspection.

Lethem also contributes to many notable publications, such as The New York Times Magazine, Spin, Rolling Stone, and Harper’s, among others. He was also a guest editor for The Best American Short Stories in 2017.

It is clear that Jonathan Lethem is one of the most influential and prolific authors of modern times. His works draw from numerous styles and genres, creating unique stories that offer insight into the human experience. Whether one’s taste runs to science fiction, mystery, or urban exploration, Lethem has a story for everyone.