Susan Orlean
Biography of Susan Orlean
Full Name and Common Aliases
Susan Orlean is the full name of the acclaimed American writer and journalist. She is widely recognized by her full name and does not commonly use any aliases.
Birth and Death Dates
Susan Orlean was born on October 31, 1955. As of the latest information available, she is alive and continues to contribute to the literary and journalistic fields.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Susan Orlean is an American national. She has established herself as a prominent journalist, author, and staff writer for The New Yorker. Her work spans various genres, including non-fiction, essays, and profiles, making her a versatile and respected figure in contemporary literature.
Early Life and Background
Susan Orlean was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to a family that valued education and intellectual curiosity. Her father, a businessman, and her mother, a housewife, encouraged her to explore the world through reading and writing. Orlean attended the University of Michigan, where she studied literature and history, laying the foundation for her future career in writing. Her early exposure to diverse subjects and her innate curiosity about the world around her would later become hallmarks of her writing style.
Major Accomplishments
Susan Orlean's career is marked by numerous accomplishments that have cemented her status as a leading voice in journalism and literature. She began her career as a writer for The Boston Phoenix and later contributed to Rolling Stone and Vogue. Her breakthrough came when she joined The New Yorker as a staff writer in 1992, where she has since published a wide array of articles and profiles that showcase her keen observational skills and narrative flair.
Orlean's ability to transform seemingly mundane subjects into compelling narratives is one of her greatest strengths. Her work has been recognized with several awards, including the prestigious Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University, which she received in 2003.
Notable Works or Actions
One of Susan Orlean's most notable works is "The Orchid Thief", published in 1998. This non-fiction book explores the world of orchid enthusiasts and the story of John Laroche, a charismatic plant dealer. The book's unique blend of investigative journalism and storytelling was adapted into the film Adaptation in 2002, further increasing Orlean's prominence.
Another significant work is "The Library Book", published in 2018. This book delves into the history of the Los Angeles Public Library and the mysterious fire that nearly destroyed it in 1986. Through meticulous research and engaging prose, Orlean highlights the importance of libraries and their role in society, earning widespread acclaim and solidifying her reputation as a masterful storyteller.
Impact and Legacy
Susan Orlean's impact on journalism and literature is profound. Her ability to find extraordinary stories in ordinary places has inspired a generation of writers and journalists. Her work often blurs the lines between journalism and literature, creating a unique narrative style that is both informative and entertaining. Orlean's contributions have expanded the possibilities of non-fiction writing, encouraging others to explore diverse subjects with depth and creativity.
Her legacy is also evident in the way she has elevated the profile of narrative non-fiction, demonstrating its potential to engage readers and provoke thought. Her influence extends beyond her written work, as she frequently lectures and teaches, sharing her insights and experiences with aspiring writers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Susan Orlean is widely quoted and remembered for her distinctive voice and ability to capture the essence of her subjects. Her writing is characterized by its wit, empathy, and meticulous attention to detail, making her quotes resonate with readers and fellow writers alike. Orlean's work often explores themes of curiosity, passion, and the human experience, offering insights that are both profound and relatable.
Her quotes are frequently cited in discussions about the art of writing, the importance of storytelling, and the role of curiosity in understanding the world. As a result, Susan Orlean remains a significant figure in contemporary literature, celebrated for her contributions to the craft of writing and her ability to illuminate the extraordinary within the ordinary.
Quotes by Susan Orlean
Susan Orlean's insights on:
The first thing I think about when I wake up most mornings is the fact that I'm tired. I have been tired for decades. I am tired in the morning and I am tired while becalmed in the slough of the afternoon, and I am tired in the evening, except right when I try to go to sleep.
Once words and thoughts are poured into them, books are no longer just paper and ink and glue: They take on a kind of human vitality.
I have long been one of those tedious people who rails against the coronation of ‘student-athletes.’ I have heard the argument that big-time athletics bring in loads of money to universities. I don’t believe the money goes anywhere other than back into the sports teams, but that’s another story.
Keeping animals, I have learned, is all about water. Who even knew chickens drank water? I didn’t, but they do, and a lot.
I had never considered using a hashtag anywhere other than on Twitter, but now I’m inspired. Text messages have always seemed a little flat to me, so the murmuring Greek chorus of a hashtag might be a perfect way to liven them up and give them a bit of dimension.
Even after I’d published three books and had been writing full-time for twenty years, my father continued to urge me to go to law school.
According to a 2010 study, almost three hundred million Americans used one of the country’s 17,078 public libraries and bookmobiles in the course of the year.
The Nazis alone destroyed an estimated hundred million books during their twelve years in power.
The library is a gathering pool of narratives and of the people who come to find them. It is where we can glimpse immortality; in the library, we can live forever.