Lynn Steger Strong Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Lynn Steger

Lynn Steger is an American author known for her sharp, relatable storytelling. Her books often explore everyday struggles with honesty and depth. She writes about family, ambition, and personal challenges in a way that feels real. Readers connect with her characters because they reflect genuine human experiences.

Her protagonists are complex, flawed, and deeply human, making her stories engaging. She has a talent for crafting narratives that pull readers in from the first page. The situations she creates feel both familiar and fresh, keeping the pages turning. Her ability to balance emotion with subtle humor adds warmth to her writing.

Steger’s gift lies in making ordinary moments feel meaningful and compelling. Her prose is clear and direct, yet rich with quiet insight. She avoids unnecessary drama, focusing instead on authentic, character-driven storytelling. This approach makes her work both entertaining and thought-provoking for a wide range of readers.

Her writing resonates with readers across the globe because it feels genuine. She doesn’t force big twists or artificial drama, instead letting her characters’ lives unfold naturally. This authenticity keeps people engaged, no matter where they’re from. Her stories are grounded in real emotions, making them universally relatable.

She stays true to her voice while exploring themes like family, identity, and ambition. Readers appreciate that her work doesn’t try to be something it’s not. There’s a quiet confidence in her storytelling that makes it compelling. Her honesty and lack of pretense give her books broad appeal.

Even without flashy plots, her narratives remain gripping because of their emotional depth. She writes about ordinary people in ways that feel fresh and insightful. Her ability to capture small, meaningful moments keeps readers invested. This straightforward yet thoughtful approach is what makes her stories enjoyable for so many.

Lynn Steger continues to write with the same honesty and insight that define her work. Readers can expect more stories that delve into human relationships and personal growth. Her future projects will likely stay true to her sharp, character-driven style. There’s no doubt she has many more compelling narratives ahead.

Early and Personal Life

Lynn Steger Strong grew up in South Florida, where she first developed a love for storytelling. From an early age, she found joy in reading and writing, which later shaped her career. Her passion for literature led her to pursue an MFA in Fiction at Columbia University.

During her time at Columbia, she honed her craft and began teaching Freshman Writing, sharing her knowledge with students. She continued to grow as an author, drawing inspiration from everyday life and human connections. Her experiences as a teacher and writer helped refine her distinctive voice.

Today, she lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two daughters, balancing family life with her writing and teaching. She shares her expertise in fiction and nonfiction at Columbia, Fairfield University, and the Pratt Institute. With a strong foundation and ongoing dedication, she continues to evolve as an influential literary voice.

Writing Career

Lynn Steger Strong began her fiction career with Hold Still in 2016, published by Liveright/WW Norton. Her debut novel introduced her sharp, emotionally resonant storytelling style. She followed it with Want in 2020 and Flight in 2022, further establishing her as a compelling contemporary voice.

Her fourth novel, The Float Test, was released in 2025, showing her continued growth as a writer. Beyond fiction, her nonfiction essays have appeared in Guernica, Elle.com, Lit Hub, and other notable publications. With a steady output of insightful work, her writing career remains dynamic and evolving.

Flight

Lynn Steger Strong’s novel Flight was published on November 8, 2022, by Mariner Books. The work is a literary fiction release from the acclaimed American author. This marks her third published novel following Hold Still and Want.

On December 22nd, siblings Henry, Kate, and Martin gather with their spouses at Henry’s upstate New York home. It’s their first Christmas without their mother and not at her Florida house. Over three days, family tensions surface as they maintain traditions while deciding what to do with their inherited childhood home. The family unexpectedly unites when a local mother and daughter require their assistance.

This novel delivers a moving portrayal of family dynamics during a difficult holiday gathering. Readers will appreciate the authentic characters and relatable tensions that unfold. The story balances emotional depth with moments of unexpected connection. It’s a thoughtful read for anyone who enjoys contemporary family dramas with heart.

Want

Lynn Steger Strong’s novel Want was published on July 7, 2020, by Henry Holt & Co. This literary fiction release became her second published work following Hold Still. The book further established Strong’s reputation as a contemporary author exploring complex human relationships.

Elizabeth struggles to manage her crumbling finances while juggling parenting, marriage, and dual careers in New York, despite earning a PhD. Seeking escape, she runs obsessively along frozen riverbanks during sleepless nights. She reconnects with childhood friend Sasha through digital messages, unaware their reunion coincides with Sasha’s own personal struggles. Their rekindled friendship unfolds as both women navigate parallel crises that may either reconnect or further separate them.

With unflinching honesty, this story captures the exhausting push-pull of adult life and faded friendships. The dual narrative creates natural tension as both women face turning points. Readers will recognize the messy realities of money problems and rekindled connections. It’s a grounded, thoughtful read about resilience in everyday crises.

The Float Test

Lynn Steger Strong’s novel The Float Test was published on April 8, 2025 by Mariner Books, marking her fourth literary fiction release.

The Kenner siblings struggle with personal crises: Jenn juggles family demands, Fred battles writer’s block, Jude nurses resentment, and George hides workplace secrets. Gathering after a loss, they grapple with long-buried family truths, including their mother’s mysterious gun and the rift between Jude and Fred. During a humid Florida summer, they confront painful secrets about relationships, careers, and childhood wounds. Their chance to rebuild as a family depends on facing these truths together.

This sharp family drama delivers messy sibling dynamics and buried secrets with emotional honesty. Readers will appreciate its authentic portrayal of strained relationships and gradual healing.