Where to Start with Courtney Maum
If you are new to Courtney Maum’s writing, you have a few excellent paths to choose from because all of her books are standalone works. Her bibliography is split between razor-sharp contemporary fiction and deeply personal, practical non-fiction. Finding the right entry point depends entirely on what you are looking to read next.
For the Fiction Lover: I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You
We recommend starting with her debut novel, I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You (2014). It is a witty, bittersweet story about a British artist named Richard Haddon who is living in Paris. After his affair ends and his marriage begins to unravel, Richard attempts to win back his wife’s love. The book is rich with humor, art-world satire, and a deeply human look at modern relationships. Starting here gives you a perfect introduction to Maum’s signature style: blending lighthearted sarcasm with real emotional depth.
For the Writer or Creative: Before and After the Book Deal
If you are an aspiring author or curious about the publishing industry, you should start immediately with Before and After the Book Deal (2020). Subtitled A Writer's Guide to Finishing, Publishing, Promoting, and Surviving Your First Book, this work is a comprehensive guide packed with realistic advice. Featuring insights from over 150 writers, editors, agents, and publicists, it tackles everything from finding representation to dealing with creative burnout. It is widely regarded as an essential resource for the modern writer.
For the Memoir and Animal Enthusiast: The Year of the Horses
If you prefer memoirs or stories of personal healing, The Year of the Horses (2022) is your best starting point. This candid memoir explores Maum's struggle with severe depression and insomnia in her late thirties. Looking for a way to reconnect with her passion and escape a creative rut, she returned to horseback riding after a thirty-year hiatus, eventually learning to play polo. It is an emotional, funny, and informative look at mental health, motherhood, and the therapeutic bond between humans and animals.
Courtney Maum Books in Publication Order
Because Courtney Maum does not write interconnected series, reading her books in publication order is not required for plot continuity. However, following her chronological publication history shows her evolution from a novelist of cultural manners to a vital voice in creative non-fiction and memoir. Here is the complete list of her major works in order of publication:
- I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You (2014) – A debut novel following a struggling artist attempting to rebuild his marriage in Paris.
- Touch (2017) – A satirical novel centered on a high-profile trend forecaster who advocates for physical touch in an increasingly digital world.
- Costalegre (2019) – A historical, surrealist novel inspired by the real-life relationship between Peggy Guggenheim and her daughter, set in 1930s Mexico.
- Before and After the Book Deal (2020) – A non-fiction guide detailing the realities, hurdles, and strategies of the publishing industry.
- Moms Don't Have Time To: A Quarantine Anthology (2021) – An essay collection edited by Zibby Owens featuring contributions from Maum.
- Horse Girls: Recovering, Aspiring, and Devoted Riders Redefine the Iconic Bond (2021) – An anthology edited by Halimah Marcus containing Maum's essay "Playing Safe."
- The Year of the Horses (2022) – A memoir detailing Maum’s journey back to horseback riding as a way to battle depression.
- Alan Opts Out (2026) – A satirical novel focusing on an advertising executive who abandons capitalism to live off his backyard in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Deep Dive: Courtney Maum’s Novels
To help you decide which story to pick up next, here is a detailed breakdown of Maum’s novels, their central themes, and what makes each one stand out:
I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You (2014)
This novel serves as an exploration of monogamy and the romanticized illusions of love. Richard, the protagonist, is far from perfect, but his desperate attempts to reverse his mistakes make him a compelling character. Set against the backdrops of London and Paris, the novel satirizes both the commercial art market and the expectations of married life.
Touch (2017)
In Touch, Maum shifts her focus to technology and societal trends. The story follows Sloane Jacobsen, a celebrated trend forecaster whose job is to predict how we will interact next. Ironically, Sloane begins to foresee a future where people reject technology in favor of real, physical interaction. She starts advocating for "humanism," causing friction with her tech-dependent employers. The novel is a sharp, funny, and prescient critique of our screen-filled lives.
Costalegre (2019)
A departure from her contemporary comedies, Costalegre is a slim, evocative piece of historical fiction. Written from the perspective of fifteen-year-old Lara, it is heavily inspired by the relationship between art collector Peggy Guggenheim and her artist daughter Pegeen Vail Guggenheim. Set in 1937, Lara and her mother, Leonora, host a group of surrealist artists fleeing World War II at their compound in the Mexican jungle. The novel is a beautiful, moody examination of artistic privilege, neglect, and mother-daughter dynamics.
Alan Opts Out (2026)
Her latest novel, Alan Opts Out, is a return to sharp contemporary satire. It follows Alan Anderson, a successful advertising executive who decides to walk away from his career and corporate capitalism after a humiliating professional failure. He resolves to live a self-sufficient, off-the-grid lifestyle in his backyard in Greenwich, Connecticut. The book humorously details the social fallout of his decision, particularly how it affects his marriage and his family’s standing in their wealthy community.
Non-Fiction and Companion Works
Beyond her fiction, Courtney Maum is heavily involved in the literary community. In addition to her major guide and memoir, she has contributed to several key anthologies and built platforms to assist other writers:
- Moms Don't Have Time To (2021): In this quarantine anthology edited by Zibby Owens, Maum contributes essays that align with her warm, relatable style. The collection is designed for busy parents looking for quick, thoughtful literary escapes.
- Horse Girls (2021): Edited by Halimah Marcus, this collection of essays features Maum’s piece "Playing Safe." Her contribution acts as a spiritual companion to her memoir The Year of the Horses, focusing on the complex identity of the "horse girl" and the psychological journey of returning to the saddle in adulthood.
Literary Stewardship and The Cabins
Courtney Maum is also a prominent advocate for writers. She founded The Cabins, a creative retreat and learning collaborative that prioritizes the artistic process over product, offering workshops and professional guidance. Her guidebook Before and After the Book Deal grew out of her desire to demystify the publishing industry. Through her workshops, newsletter, and teaching, she helps writers navigate the emotional and financial realities of a writing career, emphasizing that the joy of creation should not be lost to marketing and branding.
What to Know Before You Start
There are no strict chronological rules when reading Courtney Maum. Her books are highly accessible, but because her tone varies from high-energy satire (like Touch and Alan Opts Out) to introspective historical drama (Costalegre) and vulnerable autobiography (The Year of the Horses), you should choose your book based on your current mood rather than publication date. If you want a quick, emotional read with gorgeous prose, start with Costalegre. If you want a laugh-out-loud social satire, go with Touch or Alan Opts Out.