Nancy Johnson is an accomplished American author, best known for her debut novel, "The Kindest Lie." This engaging and thought-provoking work of fiction explores themes of class, identity, race, and the pursuit of the American dream. The novel has been widely recognized and praised, receiving accolades such as being a New York Times Editors’ Choice selection, an Amazon Editors' pick, and an IndieNext and LibraryReads pick. It has also been named a most anticipated book of 2021 by various publications, including O, the Oprah Magazine, Shondaland, and The Chicago Tribune.
Johnson was born on the Southside of Chicago and went on to attend Northwestern University, followed by The University of North Carolina. Before becoming an author, she worked for over a decade as a TV journalist for CBS and ABC affiliates across the world. Currently, she resides in Chapel Hill where she enjoys writing and managing brand communications for a non-profit organization.
In "The Kindest Lie," Johnson introduces readers to Ruth, a Black engineer who returns to her hometown in search of the child she gave up as a teenager. The novel has been highly praised for its exploration of complex themes and has been reviewed by reputable publications such as the LA Times and The Washington Post.
Johnson's work has also received support from various organizations, including the Hurston/Wright Foundation, Tin House Summer Novel Workshop, and Kimbilio Fiction. Her writing has been featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, showcasing her talent as a writer. The Kindest Lie is Johnson's first novel, and it has undoubtedly solidified her place as a prominent voice in contemporary fiction.