Authors Born in June

           Which current authors were born in June? Perhaps some that you are familiar with, or those whose books you have never read.

            Patricia Cornwell, born on June 9, 1956, is a writer of mystery/thriller novels. Her most famous series of books features medical examiner and forensic anthropologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta; the series originated in 1990 and continues today. Cornwell also has a series of three books featuring Trooper Andy Brazil and Superintendent Judy Hammer.

            Joyce Carol Oates was born on June 16, 1938. Considered a literary writer, her novels contain elements of psychological suspense and horror. Recent fiction includes The Doll-Master and other Tales of Terror, and The Man without a Shadow. Recent non-fiction includes The Lost Landscape: a Writer’s Coming of Age (2015), an account of Oates’ childhood, and A Widow’s Story (2011), describing her life after her husband passes away.

            Gail Godwin, born on June 18, 1937, is a novelist and short story writer. She started her career as a journalist before changing over. Her subject matter focused on women and their roles in society and relationships between women and men. Her books were written during the seventies, eighties and nineties. Most recently she has written Unfinished Desires (2009), a novel and Publishing: A Writer’s Memoir (2015).

            Salman Rushdie was born on June 19, 1947, in Bombay (then British India). He is a novelist, writer of short stories, and essayist who has won several literary awards. Most Americans are familiar with him because of his book The Satanic Verses, published in 1988. The book was banned in several Islamic countries because it contained a disrespectful portrayal of Mohammed, and a fatwa (order of execution) was proclaimed against him by the Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran.  

            Ian McEwan was born on June 21, 1948, in England. He is a novelist, most recent books being The Children Act (2014) and Sweet Tooth (2012). He also is a screenwriter for such movies as Atonement, The Good Son, Enduring Love, and more. He has won the Man Booker Award, and other prizes.