Picture a New York storyteller who captures the messy, beautiful chaos of modern relationships with wit and heart—meet Emily Gould! Born in 1981, this American author, blogger, and feminist publisher has carved a unique path in contemporary fiction. From her sharp essays to her soulful novels, Gould’s work resonates with anyone who’s ever navigated love, ambition, or the hustle of city life.
With a knack for blending humor and raw honesty, Gould has penned critically acclaimed works like Friendship and Perfect Tunes. Beyond writing, she’s a certified yoga instructor and co-founder of Emily Books, a feminist publishing project amplifying women’s voices. Let’s dive into her vibrant world!
The Making of Emily Gould
Born in Silver Spring, Maryland, Emily Gould grew up with a rebellious streak and a love for storytelling. After two years at Kenyon College, she transferred to Eugene Lang College in New York City, earning her B.A. and diving headfirst into the city’s literary scene. Her early career was a whirlwind—stints at Hyperion Books, waitressing, and a controversial tenure as an editor at Gawker.com shaped her voice. Blogging at Emily Magazine since 2005, she honed a confessional style that would define her work.
Gould’s experiences in New York’s gritty, glamorous underbelly fueled her writing. Her 2008 yoga teacher training with Alison West added a layer of mindfulness to her creative process, balancing the chaos of her publishing and blogging life. These eclectic influences set the stage for her literary breakthrough.
Emily Gould’s Unforgettable Stories
Gould’s writing is like a heart-to-heart with a witty friend—intimate, relatable, and unflinchingly honest. Her debut essay collection, And the Heart Says Whatever (2010), chronicles her twenties in New York with biting humor and vulnerability. From failed relationships to the grind of publishing jobs, these essays capture the messy thrill of young adulthood.
Her first novel, Friendship (2014), is a semi-autobiographical gem exploring the complexities of female bonds. Following best friends Bev and Amy as they navigate their thirties, the book blends humor and heartbreak, earning praise as a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice. Perfect Tunes (2020), her second novel, dives into music, motherhood, and unfulfilled dreams through Laura, a songwriter in early-2000s New York. Critics lauded its “intoxicating” blend of love and ambition. Gould also co-authored the young-adult novel Hex Education (2007) with Zareen Jaffery, showcasing her versatility.
Her style—sharp, conversational, and steeped in technology—mirrors the digital age. Themes of love, jealousy, and personal growth weave through her work, making her stories universally relatable yet distinctly modern.
Why Emily Gould Matters
Emily Gould’s impact extends beyond her books. As co-founder of Emily Books with Ruth Curry, she’s championed women writers like Elena Ferrante and Eileen Myles, transforming the indie publishing landscape. Her feminist approach challenges traditional publishing norms, giving voice to underrepresented stories. Gould’s candid exploration of mental health, including her 2022 bipolar disorder diagnosis, resonates with readers seeking authenticity.
Her influence lies in her ability to capture the zeitgeist—whether through blogging, novels, or her features for New York Magazine. Gould’s work inspires a generation to embrace their flaws and find beauty in the struggle, cementing her as a vital voice in contemporary literature.
About Emily Gould
- Born: October 13, 1981, in Silver Spring, Maryland
- Key Works: And the Heart Says Whatever, Friendship, Perfect Tunes, Hex Education
- Notable: Co-founder of Emily Books, certified yoga instructor
- Fun Fact: She’s a Libra with an Aries moon, passionate about karaoke and birdwatching
Ready to fall in love with Emily Gould’s world? Snag Friendship or Perfect Tunes and dive into her sharp, soulful stories!