Kevin Brockmeier Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Collections

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Best American Short Stories Books

Publication Order of The O. Henry Prize Collection Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Kevin Brockmeier

Known for writing science-fiction and fantasy infused with elements of horror, the American writer Kevin Brockmeier is unsurpassed within his field. Creating fiction that’s highly evocative, charged with a rich and moody atmosphere, he envelops the reader in his rich and immersive worlds. Pushing the format to its full potential, he really takes it in new and exciting directions, allowing it to come to life on the page. This approach is something that’s really worked for him over the years, as he’s reached countless readers from all around the world.

Understanding his audience both inside and out, he really draws a sense of truth out in each and every one of his novels. Setting himself apart from other artists within his field, he’s a gifted and extremely versatile voice that takes it to the next level. Creating work for a number of different publications, he’s established a profile throughout the writing community. This success and prolific status are coupled with his winning numerous awards over the years as well, gaining acclaim from both critics and readers alike.

It’s also his approach to character that really sets him apart as well, allowing each of his protagonists to really establish themselves individually on the page. Coming alive for the reader in a sense, he’s a versatile author who knows how to build a feeling of tension and suspense as well. Relating to readers from around the world, he’s reached a worldwide audience with his success traveling far and wide. He continues to write with so much more to follow, growing from strength to strength as an author with something to say.

Early and Personal Life

Born in 1972 on the 6th of December, he would grow up with a keen interest in the written word, which he developed from early on. Growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, while being initially born in Hialeah, Florida, he would continually seek inspiration from the world around him. Attending the Iowa Writers’ Workshop in 1997, he would gain his MFA, becoming a prominent writer himself in due course.

Gaining a worldwide level of success, he would go on to become a highly sought-after novelist, writing for countless different prestigious publications. Writing short stories and numerous creative pieces, he would come to harness and refine his own distinctive voice in time. Teaching himself at the Iowa Workshop, he continues to write and work to this present day, with lots more planned on the horizon.

Writing Career

It was in 2003 that Kevin Brockmeier would write his first full novel, reaching a wide audience with ‘The Truth About Celia.’ Prior to this, he would write the collection of short stories titled ‘Things That Fall From the Sky,’ which was his first book coming out in 2002. He also previously wrote the book ‘City of Names’ in 2002, which was primarily aimed at an audience of younger readers.

Producing a variety of books, he’s created everything from short stories to literary fiction and children’s fiction as well. Creating fiction for collections too, along with periodicals, he’s reached a wider audience, winning awards such as three ‘O. Henry’ prizes in the process. Maintaining a consistent profile and presence both offline and on, he continues to write regularly to this present day.

The Truth About Celia

The debut full fiction title from Kevin Brockmeier, this would originally come out back in 2003 through the Vintage publishing label. A stand-alone title, it provides an engaging and inventive story that’s self-contained, not being a part of any series as such. Straightforward and to the point, readers will get swept up in its lyrical language, with it being both easy to read and follow.

During a tour he’s giving of his historic house, Christopher has left his seven-year-old daughter to play in the garden, only for her to go missing suddenly. Nowhere to be seen with his wife at a recital, Christopher begins to lose himself in his writing, imagining where his daughter might be in the years to follow. Charting her disappearance, he looks at everyone surrounding the case, from his family to the policewoman investigating it. Can he find a sense of truth within his work, where did his daughter disappear to, and just what is the truth about Celia?

This book is a somewhat profound and highly imaginative meditation on the effects of grief and the toll it takes on those involved. Looking at the after-effects of a traumatic event, the story flows along effortlessly and lyrically, using extremely inventive language. The story itself operates on multiple levels, really managing to bring the reader gradually into its rich and evocative world.

The Brief History of the Dead

First published through the Pantheon publishing imprint, this book would this time come out later in 2006. Not a part of any series either, it would initially begin its life as a short story, with the first chapter being released in The New Yorker on the 8th of September, 2003. It combines fantasy and adventure, looking at the souls of the recently deceased living in the afterlife in what is an entirely self-contained narrative.

Set in an afterlife inhabited by souls yet to be forgotten, The City remains a place for the recently departed. Recently, though, residents have been disappearing at an alarming rate, and it’s up to Luka Sims, owner of The City’s one and only newspaper, to find out why. Then there’s Laura Bryd, who’s heading across the ice of the Antarctic after the power falters in her research station, with time running out. How is all this connected, can they find out why everyone’s disappearing, and what will come from the brief history of the dead?

Following up on an extremely inventive premise, this book does deliver on several different levels. There’s an excellent use of character, too, with the world everyone inhabits being fully realized as well, making the most of its location. It’s a creative story with a lot to offer, pulling its audience immediately from the outset and holding them there for the duration.