Recommended Reading Path
As Elizabeth Green (who also publishes as E.J. Green) has primarily written one standalone novel alongside various short stories, your starting point is straightforward: begin with their acclaimed debut novel, Confessions of a Curious Bookseller. Since this is currently their only published full-length book, it serves as the perfect entry point into their unique, character-driven style before you explore their shorter fiction or prepare for their upcoming horror release.
The Standalone Novels
Confessions of a Curious Bookseller (2021)
Published on January 1, 2021, by Lake Union Publishing (though some trade sites list a late 2020 release date), this epistolary novel is the core of Green's current bibliography. The book is set against the backdrop of West Philadelphia's vibrant literary community and is told entirely through modern correspondence—including emails, journal entries, internet reviews, and online messages.
The story follows Fawn Birchill, the eccentric and often curmudgeonly owner of "The Curious Cat Book Emporium." Facing intense competition from a trendy new bookstore opening nearby, Fawn goes to hilarious and increasingly desperate lengths to keep her business afloat. The novel is widely compared to Maria Semple's Where'd You Go, Bernadette for its sharp, humorous, and deeply human characterization of a flawed but endearing protagonist navigating personal and professional crises.
Ana Must Die (Again) (Forthcoming - Spring 2027)
For readers looking forward to Green's next project, they are shifting genres with an upcoming horror novel titled Ana Must Die (Again). The book is scheduled for publication in Spring 2027 by Evil Twin. This release marks a departure from the contemporary humor of their debut and will offer fans a chance to experience Green's storytelling in a darker setting.
Short Fiction and Literary Pieces
In addition to their novels, Green has built a robust catalog of short fiction, flash fiction, and humor pieces published in reputable literary journals. If you want to experience more of their versatile writing voice, these short works are highly recommended. Key pieces and where to find them include:
- "Truthful Job Requirements for the Front Desk Associate Position" — Published in McSweeney's Internet Tendency, showcasing Green's sharp comedic voice.
- "Only the Real Crazies Paint" — Published in Hobart.
- "How to Hatch a Starling Egg" — Published in Wigleaf.
- Other short pieces have appeared in journals such as HAD (Hobart After Dark), Necessary Fiction, Juked, Cleaver Magazine, Lost Balloon, and Pidgeonholes.
Companion Audio: Slaying Monsters Podcast
For fans who appreciate Green's voice and interests, they also co-host a supernatural history podcast called Slaying Monsters. Co-hosted alongside M. Scott Johnston and Katie Simpson, the podcast explores the history of folklore, cryptids, and mythological beasts, providing a fun non-fiction companion to Green's creative writing projects.