Bonnie Jo Campbell Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Collections

Publication Order of Made in Michigan Writers Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Bonnie Jo Campbell

Bonnie Jo Campbell is a celebrated American author known for her engaging mystery and literary fiction works. Over the years, she has made a name for herself through her ability to create rich, believable characters and intriguing protagonists that captivate readers. The New York Times Book Review has praised her for her detailed and precise eye for capturing the nuances of the physical world around us. Bonnie’s compelling storytelling has made her books a must-read for fans of both mystery and literary fiction.

One of Bonnie Jo Campbell’s notable works is ‘The Waters’ published by W.W. Norton in 2024. In this book, she expertly addresses themes like the resilience of nature and the duality of rural life with both its brutality and sweetness. Her storytelling is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, offering readers an elegant look into the intricacies of the human experience. Campbell’s skillful writing style keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

Beyond the thrill of the mystery and the depth of the literary fiction, Campbell has a unique way of presenting the physical world that feels both real and relatable. Her characters often find themselves facing the dark side of masculinity, but her stories offer an alternative by celebrating strength and resilience. This careful balance in her themes and narratives makes her works not just enjoyable to read but also layered with meaning. Bonnie Jo Campbell is indeed a remarkable writer whose works continue to resonate with readers everywhere.

Campbell entertains readers worldwide with her authentic and relatable storytelling. Her works resonate with a broad audience because she writes with a deep understanding of human emotions and experiences. Bonnie’s characters often face real-world challenges that many readers can connect with, making her stories relatable and engaging. This genuine approach allows her to stay true to herself while captivating readers from different backgrounds and cultures.

Moreover, Campbell’s stories are rich in detail and vivid in their portrayal of the physical world, which adds an immersive layer to her narratives. Her ability to paint a clear picture of rural life, combined with her talent for exploring the complexities of human nature, makes each of her books a compelling read. Readers find themselves drawn into the unique worlds she creates, experiencing every nuance and emotion alongside her characters. This distinctive style keeps readers coming back for more.

Bonnie Jo Campbell’s dedication to staying true to her voice and experiences ensures that her stories are both heartfelt and entertaining. She balances the dark and light aspects of the world, providing an honest yet hopeful perspective. By integrating elements of her life and observations into her writing, she creates stories that are not just attention-grabbing but also meaningful. This authenticity is what endears her to readers and solidifies her reputation as a talented author.

Early and Personal Life

Bonnie Jo Campbell, born on September 14, 1962, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is an acclaimed author known for her mystery and literary fiction. She graduated from Comstock High School in 1980 and earned a B.A. in philosophy in 1984 from the University of Chicago. She later received an MA in mathematics in 1995 and an MFA in creative writing in 1998 from Western Michigan University.

Bonnie’s varied experiences, including traveling with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus and organizing adventure bicycle tours in Eastern Europe and Russia, have enriched her writing. These adventures provide authentic material for her stories, making her characters and settings unique and engaging. Her life’s journey adds depth and authenticity to her work, captivating readers with her imaginative storytelling.

Today, Bonnie teaches fiction at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, in their low-residency MFA program. She lives outside Kalamazoo, Michigan, with her husband, Christopher Magson. Bonnie continues to inspire others through her teaching while growing as a writer, making her a beloved figure in the literary world.

Writing Career

Bonnie Jo Campbell has made a significant impact in the literary world with her award-winning writing. She won the AWP Award for Short Fiction, the Pushcart Prize, and the Eudora Welty Prize for her short story ‘The Inventor, 1972,’ which is part of her collection ‘American Salvage.’ Her work has been featured in prestigious journals like Southern Review, the Ontario Review, and the Kenyon Review,

Her novels include ‘Q Road’ (2002), ‘Once Upon a River’ (2011), and ‘The Waters’ (2024). She has also published collections such as ‘Women & Other Animals’ (1999), ‘American Salvage’ (2009), and ‘Mothers, Tell Your Daughters’ (2015).

Additionally, Bonnie co-edited the anthology ‘Muddy Backroads’ (2022) with Luanne G. Smith. Her writing career continues to flourish as she creates more captivating stories.

Once Upon a River

Bonnie Jo Campbell’s stand-alone historical coming-of-age novel, ‘Once Upon a River,’ was published on July 5, 2011. The book was released by W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. This notable publication has contributed to Bonnie’s established reputation as a gifted Young Adult writer.

Following the brutal death of her father, where she is partly responsible, Margo Crane embarks on a journey down the Stark River in search of her missing mother. Armed with only a few supplies and a biography of Annie Oakley, Margo must navigate the dangers of traveling alone. Her survival depends on her knowledge of nature and understanding of people’s intentions.

This journey through rural Michigan becomes a transformative experience, leading her to confront the consequences of her choices.

The novel itself provides an engaging and transformative read, as it follows Margo Crane’s compelling journey down the Stark River. Readers will appreciate Campbell’s vivid storytelling and Margo’s resilience. The book is a captivating exploration of survival and self-discovery.

The Waters

Bonnie Jo Campbell’s stand-alone rural noir thriller, ‘The Waters,’ was published on October 10, 2023. The book was released by W. W. Norton & Company. This new publication continued to showcase Bonnie’s talent in crafting compelling and immersive stories.

On an island located deep within the Great Massasauga Swamp, known locally as ‘The Waters,’ herbalist Hermine ‘Herself’ Zook has healed the women of nearby Whiteheart, Michigan, for generations. Stubborn and powerful, Herself commands respect and fear from the townspeople and her three daughters. Rose Thorn, the youngest daughter, has left Dorothy ‘Donkey’ Zook, her own eleven-year-old daughter, to grow up wild.

Donkey spends her days exploring the lush landscape, searching for truths, and longing for her absent mother and a father, unaware that family secrets and turbulent events are about to disrupt her peaceful life.