Emma Straub

Emma Straub is an American novelist and bookstore owner best known for her literary fiction exploring family dynamics, relationships, and the passage of time. Her works include the bestselling novels "All Adults Here," "Modern Lovers," and "The Vacationers." Prior to her career as a novelist, Straub worked at the independent bookstore BookCourt in Brooklyn, an experience that influenced her later decision to open Books Are Magic with her husband in 2017. The bookstore has become a significant literary hub in Brooklyn's Cobble Hill neighborhood. Straub's writing often features multi-generational family stories set in New York and New England, examining themes of parenthood, marriage, and personal identity. Her 2022 novel "This Time Tomorrow" incorporates elements of time travel while exploring father-daughter relationships and mortality. Her work has appeared in Vogue, New York Magazine, Tin House, and The New York Times, and her books have been published in more than twenty languages. She is also the daughter of horror novelist Peter Straub, though her own work tends toward contemporary literary fiction and domestic narratives.

Readers connect with Straub's relatable characters and authentic portrayal of family dynamics. On Goodreads, readers highlight her ability to capture small moments and interpersonal tensions, particularly in "All Adults Here" and "This Time Tomorrow." Liked: - Natural dialogue and humor - Accurate depiction of parent-child relationships - Complex character development - Engaging storytelling style - Balanced handling of serious themes Disliked: - Plot pacing described as slow - Some characters viewed as privileged or unlikeable - Resolution of conflicts sometimes feels rushed - Focus on upper-middle-class white perspectives Ratings across platforms: Goodreads averages: - This Time Tomorrow: 3.9/5 (144,000+ ratings) - All Adults Here: 3.7/5 (89,000+ ratings) - Modern Lovers: 3.3/5 (33,000+ ratings) Amazon averages hover between 4.0-4.3/5 stars. BookBrowse reader reviews note her "compassionate perspective on family life" while Kirkus Reviews consistently rates her books favorably. Common reader comment: "Her books feel like conversations with friends."

Modern Lovers (2016) Three former college bandmates and their children navigate midlife crises and teenage romance in Brooklyn's Ditmas Park neighborhood.

This Time Tomorrow (2022) A 40-year-old woman travels back in time to her sixteenth birthday in 1996, gaining new perspectives on her relationship with her father.

All Adults Here (2020) A matriarch in a Hudson Valley town reassesses her parenting choices while her adult children deal with their own life challenges.

The Vacationers (2014) A Manhattan family's two-week vacation in Mallorca reveals tensions and secrets among family members and friends.

Laura Lamont's Life in Pictures (2012) A Midwest girl transforms herself into a Hollywood actress in the 1940s, chronicling her journey through fame and family life.

Other People We Married (2012) A collection of short stories exploring relationships, identity, and life changes across various American settings.

Fly-Over State (2005) A poetry collection examining American culture and personal experiences through observations of everyday life.

Taylor Jenkins Reid writes contemporary fiction focused on family relationships and life transitions. Her novels explore marriage, fame, and identity through multiple timelines and perspectives.

J. Courtney Sullivan creates character-driven stories about family dynamics and generational connections. Her work examines class, marriage, and motherhood in American domestic settings.

Ann Patchett crafts narratives about unexpected families and complex relationships between characters. Her books feature detailed observations of human behavior and interconnected storylines.

Meg Wolitzer writes about relationships, ambition, and personal growth across decades of characters' lives. Her novels examine social dynamics and life choices through ensemble casts.

Curtis Sittenfeld explores class, identity, and social expectations through character-focused narratives. Her work combines cultural commentary with personal relationships and life-changing decisions.