Meg Kissinger Books In Order

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

About Meg Kissinger

Meg Kissinger is a well-respected investigative journalist from the United States. She also teaches as a visiting professor at Columbia University. Her work stands out because she presents facts clearly and keeps readers interested. She has a talent for turning complex topics into engaging stories.

Kissinger’s writing grabs attention by weaving facts into compelling narratives. She avoids unnecessary fluff, sticking to what matters while keeping it lively. Her skill in storytelling makes serious subjects easy to follow. Readers stay hooked because she knows how to balance depth with readability.

What makes her work special is how she delivers important messages without losing the reader’s interest. She keeps things straightforward but never dull. Her ability to craft strong, fact-based narratives sets her apart. Whether in journalism or teaching, she brings clarity and energy to her work.

Her work connects with readers around the world by keeping her writing honest and relatable. She doesn’t rely on exaggeration—just facts presented in a way that feels real and human. Her straightforward yet engaging style makes complex topics accessible to all kinds of audiences. People trust her work because it’s clear, well-researched, and never misleading.

She has a knack for making serious subjects feel immediate and personal. By focusing on real stories and real people, she draws readers in without resorting to drama. Her writing flows naturally, balancing depth with an easy-to-follow pace. This approach keeps people reading, no matter where they’re from or what they already know about the topic.

What makes her stand out is her ability to stay true to herself while reaching a global audience. She doesn’t change her voice to fit trends—she writes with the same integrity whether for local readers or an international crowd. Her work resonates because it’s genuine, thoughtful, and always rooted in truth. That’s why people everywhere find her writing so compelling.

Her impactful reporting has earned her multiple awards, including a Pulitzer Prize finalist honor. She has contributed to major publications, tackling critical topics like mental health and harmful chemicals in food. Her investigative work sheds light on overlooked but vital issues, making complex subjects understandable for readers. With a proven track record of excellence, she remains a trusted voice in journalism—and there’s no doubt she’ll keep delivering important stories in the future.

Meg Kissinger continues to write and report, with plenty more stories left to tell. Her dedication to investigative journalism means she’ll keep uncovering important truths in the years ahead. As a professor, she’s also shaping the next generation of journalists, passing on her skills. Readers can expect her future work to be just as sharp, engaging, and impactful as ever.

Early and Personal Life

Meg Kissinger grew up in Wilmette, Illinois, as the fourth of eight children in a lively household. She attended St. Francis Xavier Grade School, followed by Regina Dominican High School, where her early love for reading and writing began to take shape. After graduating from DePauw University in 1979, she carried that passion into a career dedicated to uncovering important stories.

Her work as an investigative journalist took her across the country, spending over two decades reporting on America’s mental health system for the *Milwaukee Journal Sentinel*. These in-depth stories exposed critical flaws in the system, leading to real-world changes, including new housing units and reforms in Wisconsin law. Her commitment to impactful reporting showed how journalism can drive meaningful progress.

Today, Kissinger shares her expertise as a professor, teaching investigative reporting at Columbia University and returning to DePauw as a visiting professor. She continues to live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her husband, balancing teaching with her ongoing work in journalism. With a career built on curiosity and persistence, she remains a respected voice in nonfiction writing and reporting.

Writing Career

Meg Kissinger has built a distinguished writing career, highlighted by her 2023 memoir, While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence. The book received widespread acclaim, earning spots on The New York Times, along with the Los Angeles Times Editors’ Choice lists, while The Atlantic praised it for reshaping perspectives on mental illness. Her deeply personal yet investigative approach has cemented her reputation as a powerful storyteller.

As a Pulitzer Prize finalist for her groundbreaking reporting on Bisphenol A, Kissinger has earned numerous accolades, including two George Polk Awards and the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award. Her investigative work on mental health system failures has driven policy changes and national recognition. With decades of impactful writing behind her, she continues to produce work that informs and inspires.

While You Were Out

Meg Kissinger’s debut book, While You Were Out, was published on September 5, 2023, by Celadon Books, a division of Macmillan. Released after her decades-long career in investigative journalism, the memoir marked her first foray into long-form nonfiction. The work reflects her expertise in deeply researched, personal storytelling.

Meg Kissinger’s memoir recounts her 1960s Chicago suburban childhood in a large, vibrant family of eight children. Outwardly, the Kissingers appeared lively – enjoying summers at Lake Michigan, skiing trips, and Catholic school adventures – but privately grappled with mental health crises, including a depressed mother, a volatile father, and siblings battling bipolar disorder and depression, with two ultimately dying by suicide. The family maintained a facade of dark humor while following an unspoken rule of silence about their struggles.

The book evolves from personal memoir to investigative journalism as Kissinger reveals how these childhood experiences shaped her career exposing flaws in America’s mental healthcare system. Blending personal narrative with professional reporting, it examines the impacts of stigma, failed policies, and emerging treatments.

While it was first published by Celadon Books in 2023, this debut work reflects Kissinger’s decades of investigative experience, presenting both family history and societal critique without sensationalism. The memoir offers a candid perspective on mental illness, loss, and resilience within one family’s story.

Readers from all over will appreciate Kissinger’s skillful blend of personal memoir and investigative journalism in this thought-provoking debut. The book tackles difficult topics with honesty and insight while maintaining readability. Her decades of reporting experience shine through in the careful research and compelling narrative. This memoir offers both an intimate family story and important societal commentary.