Picture a New Jersey-born wordsmith who turned life’s highs and lows into a laugh-out-loud, tear-jerking masterpiece—meet Erin Chack! As a BuzzFeed senior writer, her viral posts have racked up over 250 million views, but it’s her 2017 debut book, This Is Really Happening, that cemented her as a millennial voice. With humor as sharp as a Jersey bagel and heart as big as her home state, Chack’s essays capture love, loss, and surviving cancer with a wit that’s both raw and relatable.
From awkward first kisses to battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma at 19, Chack’s storytelling blends the absurd with the profound, making readers feel like they’re chatting with a best friend. Let’s dive into her journey, from a Jersey kid with big dreams to a literary star who’s redefining the memoir genre.
The Making of Erin Chack
Born in 1989 in Oradell, New Jersey, Erin Chack grew up with a passion for bagels and a knack for storytelling. Her early life was shaped by small-town vibes and a tight-knit family, affectionately dubbed the 'Chack Pack.' After studying at Boston University, she faced a cancer diagnosis at 19, an experience that would later fuel her candid, humorous writing. Post-recovery, Chack endured unpaid internships and a cross-country road trip to 'figure things out' before landing at BuzzFeed. Her persistence paid off, climbing from a fellowship to senior editor, where her quirky, relatable content became a digital sensation.
Erin Chack’s Unforgettable Stories
Chack’s debut, This Is Really Happening (2017), is a collection of personal essays that read like a millennial diary—equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking. Published by Razorbill, it chronicles everything from meeting her soulmate, Sean, at 14 ('Sean’s tongue! In my mouth! Slippery and wet like a slug in the rain') to her first chemotherapy session. The book’s strength lies in Chack’s ability to weave humor into heavy topics, like her and her mother’s simultaneous cancer battles, or lighter moments, like a menstrual cup mishap that left readers in stitches.
Her BuzzFeed work, meanwhile, showcases her versatility. From listicles like '14 Pics That Prove Malta Is The Most Underrated Country' to interactive projects like the mobile game Run Boggo Run!, Chack’s content is playful yet poignant. Her writing style—conversational, self-deprecating, and whip-smart—mirrors Sloane Crosley for the Snapchat generation, earning praise from outlets like Seventeen, which named her book a Best Book of the Year. Whether tackling anxiety or young love, Chack’s voice is a beacon of authenticity in a curated digital world.
Beyond her book, Chack’s contributions to McSweeney’s and The New Yorker highlight her range, proving she’s more than a viral content creator. Her essay 'My Boyfriend Isn’t My Soulmate, He’s My Carrot'—a BuzzFeed hit—redefines romance with humor and honesty, resonating with readers navigating modern relationships.
Why Erin Chack Matters
Erin Chack’s impact lies in her fearless vulnerability. By sharing her cancer journey, anxiety struggles, and quirky life moments, she’s carved a space for millennials to feel seen. Her work bridges the gap between digital and literary worlds, proving that viral fame can coexist with profound storytelling. Chack’s ability to find humor in pain—whether it’s shaving her head during chemo or surviving a bear encounter on a road trip—inspires readers to embrace their own messy, beautiful lives.
Her legacy is still unfolding, but Chack’s influence on memoir writing is undeniable. She’s shown that authenticity, paired with a killer sense of humor, can turn personal stories into universal truths, earning her a devoted following and critical acclaim.
About Erin Chack
- Born: 1989 in Oradell, New Jersey
- Key Work: This Is Really Happening (2017)
- Notable Award: Seventeen Magazine Best Book of the Year (2017)
- Fun Fact: Her BuzzFeed posts have over 250 million views!
Snag This Is Really Happening and dive into Erin Chack’s hilarious, heartfelt world—you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll never look at a menstrual cup the same way again!