Picture a Houston storyteller who swapped barbells for books, crafting novels that tug at your heartstrings—meet Chris Cander! A USA Today bestselling author, Cander weaves tales of resilience, family, and human connection, from the haunting melodies of The Weight of a Piano to the gripping suspense of The Young of Other Animals. Her journey from fitness competitor to literary star is as captivating as her prose.
The Making of Chris Cander
Born in Atlanta but raised in Houston since she was three months old, Chris Cander calls Texas home. An introverted child, she found solace in reading everything from novels to cereal boxes, sparking a lifelong love for words. Her early career took a surprising turn as a fitness competitor and model, but after freelancing for magazines and a pivotal job loss during maternity leave, Cander embraced her true calling: writing fiction. A vivid dream in 2006, where a spirit guide showed her a table of her future books, set her on the path to her first novel.
Chris Cander’s Unforgettable Stories
Cander’s novels blend literary depth with accessible storytelling, exploring themes of grief, identity, and hope. The Weight of a Piano (2019) intertwines the lives of two women across decades, connected by a Blüthner piano, earning praise from the New York Times as “immense, intense, and imaginative.” Whisper Hollow (2015), set in a West Virginia mining community, delves into love and betrayal with raw emotional power. A Gracious Neighbor (2022) examines suburban loneliness through a lens of suspense, while her latest, The Young of Other Animals (2024), tackles cycles of violence and mother-daughter bonds with chilling urgency. Her children’s book, The Word Burglar, and Audible Originals like “Eddies” showcase her versatility across genres.
Her writing style is poignant yet propulsive, with richly drawn characters that linger long after the final page. Cander’s ability to fuse emotional resonance with gripping narratives has made her a standout in contemporary fiction, with her work translated into twelve languages.
Why Chris Cander Matters
Chris Cander’s impact extends beyond her books. As a former firefighter, fourth-dan taekwondo black belt, and women’s self-defense instructor, she embodies strength and empathy, qualities that infuse her storytelling. For seven years, she taught creative writing to children as a writer-in-residence for Houston’s Writers in the Schools, fostering the next generation of storytellers. Her advocacy for literacy, through roles on the Inprint Houston advisory board and stewarding Little Free Libraries, underscores her commitment to community. Cander’s novels resonate with readers seeking stories that balance heartache with hope, cementing her as a vital voice in American literature.
About Chris Cander
- Born: Atlanta, Georgia; raised in Houston, Texas
- Key Works: The Weight of a Piano, Whisper Hollow, A Gracious Neighbor, The Young of Other Animals
- Awards: Independent Publisher Gold Medal for 11 Stories (2013), Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for The Word Burglar (2014)
- Fun Fact: A former fitness competitor, she holds a fourth-dan in taekwondo
Snag The Weight of a Piano or The Young of Other Animals and dive into Chris Cander’s soul-stirring world of resilience and redemption!