Alan Cheuse

Date of Birth: January 23, 1940

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: July 31, 2015

Biography

Alan Cheuse was an esteemed American writer, literary critic, and educator, known for his significant contributions to the world of literature. He was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and grew up in a multicultural environment that greatly influenced his writing style. Cheuse received his B.A. from Rutgers University in 1961 and went on to earn his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Rutgers in 1974. He began his teaching career at Bennington College and later became a professor at George Mason University. Cheuse authored several novels, collections of short stories, and memoirs. His most notable works include “The Grandmothers’ Club,” “The Light Possessed,” and “Prayers for the Living.” Besides his fiction, Cheuse was well-known for his role as a book reviewer on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” where he became a trusted voice in literary criticism. His insightful reviews and engaging storytelling earned him a dedicated following among readers and listeners alike. Cheuse’s passion for literature extended beyond writing and teaching; he was also a tireless advocate for writers and writing programs. His influence is still felt in the literary community, where his works continue to inspire new generations of writers and readers.

5 Interesting Facts about Alan Cheuse

1. Alan Cheuse was known as the “voice of books” on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” where he reviewed books for over 25 years.

2. He was a Fulbright Scholar and spent a significant amount of time teaching and lecturing in countries like Australia and China.

3. Cheuse’s novel “The Light Possessed” is a fictionalized account of the life of the American painter Georgia O’Keeffe.

4. In addition to his novels and short stories, Cheuse edited several anthologies and contributed to numerous literary journals.

5. He survived a serious car accident in 2015, but succumbed to the injuries a few weeks later.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alan Cheuse

1. “Books are the best way to enter another world, one that’s more thrilling, more beautiful, or more terrifying than our own.”

2. “Fiction is a way of exploring the world from the inside out.”

3. “Reading is an act of empathy, an effort to grasp the other’s world.”

4. “Literary criticism is about celebrating the best that has been written and encouraging writers to strive for greatness.”

5. “A good story doesn’t just tell you about life, it makes you live it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth Alan Cheuse achieved is estimated to be around $1.5 million.

Children

Alan Cheuse had two children, Emma and Josh. Both have pursued successful careers, with Emma becoming a lawyer and Josh working in the field of education.