Simon Rich Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Collections

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Simon Rich

The American author and humorist Simon Rich has been making an impression in the literary field for quite some time now. Hugely talented, he has a distinctive voice that really captures some unique and profound insights into modern life and living. Dealing with a range of different subjects, from romance to theology, he deals with it all in his own idiosyncratic way. This approach of his has proven to be hugely successful, with readers from all over the world appreciating what he has to say and offer.

Working in film and television too, he was one of the youngest writers hired on Saturday Night Live, reaching an even wider audience. Much of his writing has also gone on to be adapted for television and film as well, with multiple shows in his back-catalog of work. Engaging audiences with his writing, he’s proven to be a hilarious and much needed voice throughout the industry as a whole. Producing work as both a screenwriter and an author, he’s gone on to create multiple projects, all being hugely successful.

It’s also his insight that has really grabbed the attention of readers, both nationally and internationally, with the critics and the general public singing his many praises. Translated into over a dozen languages, his work is also universal in its appeal, with his characters and stories really resonating. In regards to his characters, they also really stand out, feeling wholly believable, making a real impression upon the audience. With so much more to follow, he’s definitely a writer to watch in the many years to come, as his writing career continues onwards and upwards.

Early and Personal Life

Born and raised in New York City on the 5th of June, 1984, Simon Rich would grow up with a keen interest in comedy and writing. Developing his passion for the craft over time, he would come to establish a distinct voice all of his own, becoming well known on the comedy scene. Attending The Town School, and then Dalton School, he would later go on to attend and graduate from Harvard University where he would write for the Harvard Lampoon.

His father is also the well respected New York Times essayist and columnist Frank Rich, whilst his brother is Nathaniel Rich, who’s also an essayist. His step-mother Alex Witchel would also be well known for her writing in The New York Times, and Simon Rich himself went on to write for Saturday Night Life following his graduation. Still writing to this very day, he continues to work on various different projects, living in Los Angeles with his wife, the author Kathleen Hale, and their two children.

Writing Career

Starting out in 2007, Simon Rich would release his first collection of short-stories titled ‘Ant-Farm,’ followed by ‘Free-Range Chickens’ in 2008. Working for a number of prestigious magazines, he’d produce writing for outlets such as McSweeney’s, The Believer, The Observer, and GQ. Many of his books and stories would also go on to be optioned for television, as well as him going on work as a staff-writer for Pixar.

Producing both short-stories and full novels, he would prove to be an extremely versatile novelist over time. Compared to famous writers such as Douglas Adams, he’s created a unique and humorous brand all of his own. Winning numerous awards and accolades as well, he’s received the ‘Thurber Prize for American Humor,’ which he gained for his 2018 short-story collection ‘Hits and Misses.’

Miracle Workers

Originally brought out back in 2012, this would first come out through the ‘Back Bay Books’ publishing label. A stand-alone title, it’s comic fantasy that’s not a part of any series as such, and can be easily read in a relatively short amount of time. The book has also gone on to become a TV series starring Steve Buscemi, Daniel Radcliffe, and Geraldine Viswanathan in the lead roles.

Running the company Heaven, Inc., for what seems like and is forever, God manages his corporation from up in the sky. As the founder and CEO his company has been hugely mismanaged for some time now, as God has become lazy, spending most of his time on the golf course. Now to idealistic angels are looking to change things, as it appears that the end times themselves are nigh, with Craig and Eliza working in the department of miracles. Will the company be able to keep itself afloat, can humanity be saved, and what will become of the idealistic young miracle workers?

As a fun and engaging comedy novel, there’s plenty of jokes, making it an easy and humorous read with plenty to say. Fans of the author won’t be disappointed, and it’s no wonder that this book has proven to be so successful, with it becoming its own television series. With an inventive and creative premise, it really makes the most of its setting, engaging the reader every single step of the way.

Man Seeking Woman

First released through the Black Bay Books publishing imprint, this came out in 2015 on the 1st of January. It’s a collection of short-stories all brought together, as they would all focus on contemporary romance and love. The collection would also inspire a television show of the same name, which Simon Rich himself would also be involved with.

There’s numerous short-stories here focusing on the humorous trials and tribulations of modern romance and courtship. One story narrates from the perspective of an unused prophylactic in the wallet of a teenage boy, whilst another sees God juggling the demands of his needy girlfriend. Then there’s Sherlock Holmes who has been failing to take in and consider all of the blatant clues that he’s being cheated on by his girlfriend. The book brings all of these short-stories together, as they fully chart the highs and lows of what romance means in the modern world.

As a collection, these short-stories are extremely eclectic in their approach to the concept of love, creating a lively and fun tone. Often hilarious, it’s not only a must for fans of the author, but anyone interested in a sideways look at romance and what it really means. There’s so much to enjoy here, and it really is an easy book to pick up, yet difficult to put down, as the time flies by when reading it.