Sue Monk Kidd

Sue Monk Kidd is a successful American author, best known for her novels and memoirs that often explore themes of feminism and spirituality. Kidd was born in Sylvester, Georgia, and attended Texas Christian University, where she earned a B.S. in nursing. After working as a registered nurse and college nursing instructor, Kidd began to explore her passion for writing in her forties. She was particularly influenced by the writings of Thomas Merton, which inspired her to delve deeper into her own inner life.

Kidd's first novel, The Secret Life of Bees, was published in 2002 and became a massive success. The book spent over 2½ years on the New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into 36 languages, selling over 6 million copies in the U.S. and 8 million copies worldwide. The novel was adapted into both a successful movie and an Off-Broadway musical. Kidd's second novel, The Mermaid Chair, was also a bestseller, spending 24 weeks on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list and 22 weeks on the New York Times trade paperback list. It won the Nation Quill Award and was made into a television movie.

In addition to her fiction, Kidd has written several memoirs, including The Dance of the Dissident Daughter and the New York Times bestseller Traveling with Pomegranates, which she co-authored with her daughter, Ann Kidd Taylor. Her latest novel, The Book of Longings, was published in 2020 to widespread critical acclaim and quickly became a bestseller. The book has been translated into 17 languages thus far. Kidd is known for her ability to weave together complex themes of feminism, spirituality, and identity, and her work has resonated with readers around the world. She currently lives in North Carolina.