Erica Jong

Date of Birth: March 26, 1942

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Biography

Erica Jong is an American novelist, satirist, and poet, best known for her 1973 novel “Fear of Flying,” which became famously known for its frank treatment of female sexuality. Born in New York City, she grew up in a family that valued literature and the arts, with her father being a musician and her mother a painter and designer. Jong attended Barnard College, where she earned her B.A. in 1963, and later Columbia University, where she received an M.A. in 18th-century English literature in 1965. Jong’s breakthrough came with “Fear of Flying,” a semi-autobiographical novel that resonated with many women for its candid exploration of their inner lives and desires. The book sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has been translated into several languages. Jong has since written numerous novels, essays, and poetry collections, establishing herself as a prominent voice in feminist literature. Throughout her career, Jong has received several awards, including the Sigmund Freud Award for Literature. She continues to write and speak on various issues, including women’s rights, literature, and mental health.

5 Interesting Facts about Erica Jong

1. Erica Jong’s novel “Fear of Flying” coined the term “zipless fuck,” which refers to a sexual encounter purely for pleasure, free of emotional entanglements.

2. Jong has been married four times and has openly discussed the complexities and challenges of her marriages in her writings.

3. She is an advocate for mental health awareness and has written about her own experiences with therapy and depression.

4. Jong’s daughter, Molly Jong-Fast, is a well-known writer and political commentator.

5. Erica Jong has taught literature and creative writing at several universities, including Bennington College and the University of Maryland.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Erica Jong

1. “If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more.”

2. “Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it’s cracked up to be. That’s why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don’t risk anything, you risk even more.”

3. “Show me a woman who doesn’t feel guilty and I’ll show you a man.”

4. “Gossip is the opiate of the oppressed.”

5. “Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Erica Jong’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Erica Jong has one daughter, Molly Jong-Fast, who is a prominent writer and political commentator. Molly has written several books and is a frequent contributor to various publications.