Picture a New York storyteller who spun a tale of obsession so gripping it landed on Good Morning America’s radar—meet Caitlin Barasch! This American fiction author burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, A Novel Obsession, a psychological thriller that dances between humor and unease. With a knack for crafting flawed, unhinged characters, Barasch is a rising star in contemporary literature, drawing readers into her chaotic yet empathetic worlds.
Born and raised in the vibrant streets of New York City, Barasch’s storytelling is as dynamic as her hometown. Her work, featured in outlets like Catapult and The Forge, reflects her love for complex narratives and human quirks, making her a voice to watch.
The Making of Caitlin Barasch
Caitlin Barasch’s creative roots run deep, nurtured by a family of artists who championed her passion for storytelling. Growing up in New York, she was surrounded by collages, poems, and a culture that celebrated the arts. She earned her BA from Colorado College, immersing herself in an intensive creative writing program, and later honed her craft with an MFA from New York University, where she also taught. A former bookseller in Brooklyn, Barasch found inspiration behind the counter, shaping her debut novel’s protagonist, Naomi, a bookseller with big dreams.
Her early career wasn’t without hurdles. Barasch faced self-doubt and the pressure of familial expectations, but her time as a bookseller reignited her purpose. As she recommended books to customers, she clarified her own storytelling goals, setting the stage for her literary breakthrough.
Caitlin Barasch’s Unforgettable Stories
Barasch’s debut, A Novel Obsession (2022), is a tour de force of psychological intrigue. The novel follows Naomi Ackerman, a 24-year-old bookseller desperate to write a novel. When she meets Caleb and becomes fixated on his ex-girlfriend, Rosemary, Naomi’s casual Instagram stalking spirals into a friendship built on lies, blurring fact and fiction. Praised by BuzzFeed as a “best book of 2022,” it’s a sharp exploration of obsession, identity, and self-sabotage, laced with dark humor.
Her short story, The Spiral, showcases her versatility, delving into mental illness and family trauma through Ashley, a recent graduate testing her sanity. Published in literary magazines like Hobart and Day One, Barasch’s shorter works highlight her ability to balance discomfort and empathy. Her first-person narratives dive deep into characters’ psyches, revealing the messy, human strategies of self-deception.
Barasch’s style is vivid and intimate, often using New York’s literary scene as a backdrop. Her characters—flawed, compelling, and unapologetically human—resonate with readers who crave stories that challenge the “likable” female protagonist trope. Her work invites us to laugh, cringe, and empathize with characters who make spectacularly bad choices.
Why Caitlin Barasch Matters
Caitlin Barasch is redefining contemporary fiction by embracing the chaos of human emotions. Her debut novel’s success—featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and the New York Post—signals her influence in a genre craving authentic, complex voices. By tackling themes like obsession and artistic ambition, she speaks to readers navigating their own identities in a digital age.
As a creative writing instructor at the Writers Circle, Barasch inspires the next generation of writers, drawing from her own journey of perseverance. Her ability to turn personal and cultural observations into universal stories makes her a vital voice in modern literature, with a promising career ahead.
- Born: New York, NY
- Key Work: A Novel Obsession (2022)
- Notable Recognition: Good Morning America Buzz Pick, BuzzFeed’s “Best Books of 2022”
- Hobbies: Horse riding, hiking, bouldering, wandering NYC
Snag A Novel Obsession and dive into Caitlin Barasch’s thrilling, chaotic world of contemporary fiction!