Picture a Minneapolis storyteller who spins family drama into laugh-out-loud, heart-tugging tales—meet Gretchen Anthony! With her sharp wit and Midwestern charm, this award-winning author crafts contemporary fiction that feels like a warm hug from a quirky aunt. From her debut novel to her latest, Anthony’s stories explore the messy, beautiful bonds of family with a voice that resonates far beyond the Midwest.
Before she became a literary star, Anthony honed her storytelling as a ghostwriter for CEOs and doctors, learning to capture authentic voices. Now, her novels, celebrated by the American Library Association and major publications, invite readers into worlds where humor and heart collide. Ready to dive into her unforgettable stories? Let’s explore the life and works of this literary gem!
The Making of Gretchen Anthony
Born and raised in the Midwest, Gretchen Anthony calls Minneapolis home, where the vibrant community and crisp winters shape her storytelling. Though details of her early life remain private, her career began in the world of ghostwriting, crafting narratives for high-profile clients across the U.S. This unique apprenticeship sharpened her ability to weave compelling, relatable stories. Inspired by the complexities of human relationships and a love for 70s classic rock, Anthony transitioned to fiction, channeling her humor and insight into novels that capture the universal push-and-pull of family life.
Her leap into authorship wasn’t just a career shift—it was a calling. After a corporate layoff, Anthony embraced her lifelong dream of writing novels, pouring her energy into stories that blend wit, warmth, and a distinctly Midwestern lens. This bold move set the stage for a literary career that continues to charm readers and critics alike.
Gretchen Anthony’s Unforgettable Stories
Anthony’s debut, Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners (2018), introduced her knack for blending humor with heartfelt family drama. The novel follows Violet Baumgartner, an overbearing matriarch whose carefully curated holiday letters unravel when her daughter’s secret shakes the family. Praised as a “stunning debut” by Kirkus Reviews, it earned spots on best-of lists from Amazon, BookBub, and the New York Post, cementing Anthony’s place in contemporary fiction.
Her follow-up, The Kids Are Gonna Ask (2020), won the 2021 Alex Award from the American Library Association. This lively tale tracks teenage twins Thomas and Savannah as they launch a viral podcast to find their biological father, sparking chaos and connection. Anthony’s clever use of podcast transcripts as narrative “interstitials” adds depth, a technique inspired by authors like Fannie Flagg. Her 2022 novel, The Book Haters’ Book Club, celebrates the power of books to heal, as a grieving bookshop owner fights to save her store. Most recently, Tired Ladies Take a Stand (2024) explores friendship and the courage to say “yes” to life’s challenges, earning praise for its fierce, funny women.
Anthony’s style is a delightful mix of sharp humor, vivid characters, and universal themes like love, loyalty, and resilience. Her Midwestern voice grounds her stories in relatable settings, while her playful tone and emotional depth make them timeless. Whether it’s a controlling mother or curious teens, her characters leap off the page, inviting readers to laugh, cry, and root for them.
Why Gretchen Anthony Matters
Gretchen Anthony’s work resonates because it captures the chaos and joy of family with unflinching honesty. Her novels tackle societal shifts—same-sex relationships, blended families, and personal reinvention—with sensitivity and humor, making them both timely and timeless. By centering strong, flawed women and celebrating community, Anthony offers a fresh perspective in contemporary fiction, earning her a loyal following and critical acclaim.
Her influence extends beyond the page. As a speaker and humorist, Anthony hosts The Middle Book Club, championing stories of midlife heroines. Her commitment to authentic, inclusive narratives inspires readers to embrace their own stories, quirks and all. In a world that often feels divided, Anthony’s work reminds us that connection and laughter can bridge any gap.
- Key Works: Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners, The Kids Are Gonna Ask, The Book Haters’ Book Club, Tired Ladies Take a Stand
- Awards: 2021 Alex Award for The Kids Are Gonna Ask
- Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Snag Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners and dive into Gretchen Anthony’s hilarious, heartfelt world of contemporary fiction!