Date of Birth: February 19, 1964
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Biography
Jonathan Lethem is an acclaimed American writer known for his eclectic blend of genres, which often interweave elements of science fiction, detective fiction, and literary fiction. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Lethem’s early life was steeped in a rich cultural milieu that would later influence his work. He attended Bennington College but left before obtaining his degree, opting to travel and write. Lethem’s breakout novel, “Motherless Brooklyn,” released in 1999, won the National Book Critics Circle Award and solidified his status as a significant voice in contemporary American literature. The novel’s protagonist, Lionel Essrog, a detective with Tourette’s syndrome, became an iconic character, showcasing Lethem’s skill in character development and narrative innovation. Following “Motherless Brooklyn,” Lethem continued to produce a diverse body of work, including “The Fortress of Solitude” (2003), a semi-autobiographical novel that explores themes of friendship, race, and music in 1970s Brooklyn. His other notable works include “Chronic City” (2009) and “Dissident Gardens” (2013). In addition to his novels, Lethem has written numerous essays, short stories, and articles for various prestigious publications. His contributions to literature have earned him a Guggenheim Fellowship, a MacArthur Fellowship, and several other accolades.
5 Interesting Facts about Jonathan Lethem
1. Jonathan Lethem is a recipient of the MacArthur “Genius” Grant, which he was awarded in 2005.
2. His novel “Motherless Brooklyn” was adapted into a film by Edward Norton in 2019, with Norton also starring as the lead character.
3. Lethem’s father, Richard Lethem, was a prominent painter, and his mother Judith was an activist and political figure.
4. Lethem often incorporates elements of his Brooklyn upbringing into his novels, reflecting the diverse and vibrant culture of the borough.
5. He is an avid fan of comic books and has written essays and introductions for several comic book collections.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jonathan Lethem
1. “Every book is a failure; every book is the wreck of a perfect idea.”
2. “You write to be read. That’s the bottom line.”
3. “The two most fundamental human urges are to connect and to be free.”
4. “In a way, the things I don’t write are more important than the things I do.”
5. “I wanted to write about Brooklyn because that’s where I’m from, and the place itself is a character in my life.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Jonathan Lethem’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Jonathan Lethem has two children. He has a son named Everett and a daughter named Lucy.
Relevant Links
1. [Jonathan Lethem on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Lethem
2. [Jonathan Lethem’s Official Website](http://www.jonathanlethem.com/
5. [Jonathan Lethem’s MacArthur Fellowship Profile](https://www.macfound.org/fellows/789/
