Picture a sharp-witted storyteller who turned a road trip about abortion into a hilarious yet heartfelt tale—meet Jenni Hendriks! This American author and Hollywood writer has a knack for blending comedy with tough topics, making readers laugh while tackling issues like reproductive rights and friendship. Best known for her breakout novel Unpregnant, Hendriks has carved a unique space in young adult literature with her bold, empathetic voice.
With a background in film school and a stint writing for the hit TV show How I Met Your Mother, Hendriks brings a cinematic flair to her stories. Her collaboration with writing partner Ted Caplan has produced works that resonate with teens and adults alike, proving that humor can be a powerful lens for serious conversations.
The Making of Jenni Hendriks
Jenni Hendriks grew up with a reputation for being a 'real smartass,' a trait her mother noted and one she proudly turned into a career. After graduating from Loyola Marymount University’s film school, she dove into Hollywood, starting as a coffee-fetcher before climbing the ranks to become a writer for How I Met Your Mother. Her time in the entertainment industry honed her ability to craft witty dialogue and compelling narratives. A cartoonist with feminist-inspired works published in Ms. magazine, Hendriks also brought her visual storytelling skills to the page, enriching her literary creations.
It was at film school that she met Ted Caplan, her long-time writing partner. Their shared love for storytelling and complementary styles—Hendriks’s playful humor and Caplan’s brooding depth—set the stage for their collaborative success. This partnership would later birth Unpregnant, a project sparked by a 2012 NPR story about restrictive abortion laws in South Dakota.
Jenni Hendriks’s Unforgettable Stories
Hendriks’s debut novel, Unpregnant (2019), co-authored with Caplan, is a young adult gem that follows Veronica Clarke, a high school senior who embarks on a 900-mile road trip to access an abortion clinic. The story balances absurd humor—think stolen cars and ferret napping—with poignant moments of friendship and self-discovery. Praised by Publishers Weekly as a 'stellar, timely debut,' the book was adapted into an HBO Max film in 2020, starring Haley Lu Richardson and Barbie Ferreira.
Their follow-up, Save Steve (2020), takes a darker comedic turn, blending teen romance, cancer, and quirky scams. It’s a twist on the classic 'sick kid' narrative, infused with Hendriks’s signature wit and heart. Both novels showcase her ability to tackle heavy themes—reproductive coercion, illness, societal judgment—without losing the lighthearted spark that makes her work accessible. Her style, often compared to Juno or Jennifer E. Smith, uses humor to demystify taboo topics, making them relatable for young readers.
Hendriks’s writing stands out for its cinematic pacing and sharp dialogue, a nod to her screenwriting roots. She and Caplan excel at crafting characters who feel real, flawed, and fiercely loyal, inviting readers to laugh, cry, and rage alongside them.
Why Jenni Hendriks Matters
Jenni Hendriks has redefined how young adult literature approaches controversial issues. Unpregnant brought abortion back into teen comedy, a topic absent from the genre for decades, earning acclaim for its bold yet sensitive portrayal. By using humor to highlight the absurdity of restricted reproductive access, Hendriks empowers readers to engage with real-world issues without shame. Her work fosters open conversations about choice, friendship, and resilience, particularly for young women navigating societal pressures.
Her influence extends beyond books. The HBO Max adaptation of Unpregnant introduced her storytelling to a broader audience, proving that tough topics can be both entertaining and educational. Hendriks’s legacy lies in her ability to make readers feel seen, using laughter as a bridge to empathy and understanding.
- Birth Date: Not publicly available
- Key Works: Unpregnant (2019), Save Steve (2020)
- Notable Achievement: Unpregnant adapted into an HBO Max film (2020)
Ready to laugh, cry, and cheer for fierce friendships? Snag Unpregnant and dive into Jenni Hendriks’s bold, heartfelt world of young adult storytelling!