Picture a storyteller who weaves love, loss, and destiny into unforgettable tales—meet Jill Santopolo! This New York Times bestselling author captured hearts worldwide with her emotionally charged novel The Light We Lost, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick translated into over 35 languages. From her roots in Hewlett, New York, to her multifaceted career as a writer, editor, and educator, Santopolo’s journey is as captivating as her stories.
With a knack for crafting poignant narratives that resonate deeply, she balances adult fiction with children’s series, all while shaping young minds through her publishing work. Let’s dive into the world of Jill Santopolo, where every page pulses with heart and humanity.
The Making of Jill Santopolo
Born and raised in Hewlett, New York, Jill Santopolo grew up surrounded by books, pets, and a vivid imagination. At just three years old, she penned her first story about a magical cat named Stacey, sparking a lifelong love for storytelling. Her passion for reading led her to major in English Literature at Columbia University, where she devoured classics like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Harriet the Spy. While in college, she dipped her toes into publishing, setting the stage for a dynamic career. Santopolo later earned an MFA in Writing for Children from Vermont College of Fine Arts and a certificate in Intellectual Property Law from NYU, blending creativity with industry savvy.
Jill Santopolo’s Unforgettable Stories
Santopolo’s bibliography is a vibrant mix of adult fiction and children’s series, each showcasing her ability to capture raw emotion and universal themes. Her breakout novel, The Light We Lost (2017), follows Lucy and Gabe, two lovers whose paths intertwine and diverge against the backdrop of 9/11. Hailed as a “beautiful and devastating” love story, it became a global bestseller, praised for its lyrical prose and heart-wrenching choices. More Than Words (2019) explores duty versus desire through Nina, a woman torn between family legacy and forbidden love, earning accolades for its emotional depth.
In Everything After (2021), Santopolo delves into second chances, as psychologist Emily grapples with past passions resurfacing in her seemingly perfect life. Her latest, Stars in an Italian Sky (2023), weaves a multigenerational tale of love and betrayal set in post-WWII Italy, described as “a shimmering love story for the ages.” Her children’s works, like the Sparkle Spa series and Alec Flint Mysteries, brim with charm, targeting young readers with humor and heart. Santopolo’s style—intimate, evocative, and emotionally intelligent—makes her stories linger long after the final page.
Why Jill Santopolo Matters
Jill Santopolo’s impact extends beyond her novels. As the vice president and publisher of Philomel Books, she edits empowering titles like She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton, shaping young readers’ perspectives. Her global speaking engagements on writing and storytelling inspire aspiring authors, while her teaching roles at The New School and Columbia Publishing Course nurture new talent. Santopolo’s ability to blend romance, women’s fiction, and universal themes of love and sacrifice resonates with diverse audiences, cementing her as a voice of emotional truth in contemporary literature.
- Birthplace: Hewlett, New York
- Key Works: The Light We Lost, More Than Words, Everything After, Stars in an Italian Sky
- Notable Achievement: The Light We Lost selected as a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick
- Fun Fact: She wrote her first story at age three about a magical cat!
Ready to fall in love with a story that tugs at your heartstrings? Snag The Light We Lost and dive into Jill Santopolo’s soul-stirring world of romance and reflection!