Max Brooks is a well-known American author, renowned for his work in the horror and science fiction genres. He was born on May 22, 1972, in Manhattan, New York, and is the son of the famous actor, writer, director, and producer Mel Brooks, and the late actress Anne Bancroft. Growing up, Brooks attended the Crossroads School in Santa Monica, California, where he developed an early interest in history and storytelling. He is dyslexic, which made his academic journey challenging, but he persevered and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in history from Pitzer College in Claremont, California.
Brooks is perhaps best known for his novels "The Zombie Survival Guide" and "World War Z," which have both been bestsellers. His work in the zombie genre has earned him the nickname "the Studs Terkel of zombie journalism." In addition to his novels, Brooks has also written graphic novels, including "GI Joe: Hearts and Minds," "The Extinction Parade," "Germ Warfare: A Graphic History," and "The Harlem Hellfighters." His writing is not limited to print media, as he has also worked as a screenwriter and television actor.
Brooks currently resides in Venice, California, with his wife, Michelle, who is also a screenwriter, and their son, Henry. He is a dedicated writer who continues to produce high-quality work in the genres he loves. His work has earned him recognition as a fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security and the Modern War Institute at West Point. These honors reflect his commitment to exploring complex issues through storytelling and his contributions to the literary world.