Picture an American storyteller who whisked readers to the Taj Mahal’s creation or Vietnam’s vibrant streets—meet John Shors! A bestselling author, Shors crafts historical and cultural novels that blend lush storytelling with human connection. His works, translated into over 30 languages, reflect his global adventures and a unique knack for engaging book clubs worldwide.
With a traveler’s heart and a writer’s soul, Shors transforms distant histories and cultures into vivid narratives. From the romance of ancient empires to the struggles of modern Asia, his stories captivate and inspire. Ready to explore his world?
The Making of John Shors
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, John Shors graduated from Colorado College before embarking on a life of exploration. He taught English in Kyoto, Japan, for several years, immersing himself in Asian culture. On a tight budget, he trekked across ten countries, climbing the Himalayas and absorbing the sights and sounds that would later fuel his novels. Back in the U.S., Shors honed his storytelling as a newspaper reporter in Iowa, winning statewide awards, before co-founding a public relations firm in Boulder, Colorado, where he now lives with his wife, Allison, and their two children.
John Shors’s Unforgettable Stories
Shors’s debut, Beneath a Marble Sky (2004), is a lyrical tale of the Taj Mahal’s creation, told through Princess Jahanara’s eyes. This historical epic, steeped in love and intrigue, set the tone for his evocative style. Beside a Burning Sea (2008) transports readers to a WWII Pacific island, where a Japanese soldier and an American nurse find solace amid chaos. Dragon House (2009) explores Vietnam’s street children, blending heartbreak with hope, while Unbound (2017) weaves an epic love story against China’s Great Wall.
Known for vivid settings and emotional depth, Shors’s novels tackle themes of resilience, cross-cultural understanding, and love’s endurance. His prose is both lush and accessible, painting far-off worlds with authenticity drawn from his travels. Whether it’s the opulence of Hindustan or the grit of modern Saigon, Shors makes every setting a character in its own right.
Why John Shors Matters
John Shors’s impact lies in his ability to bridge cultures through storytelling. His novels, translated into over 30 languages, have resonated globally, earning multiple awards and praise from authors like Amy Tan. By engaging with over 3,000 book clubs via speakerphone, Shors fosters intimate reader connections, a rare feat in today’s literary world. His travel company, John Shors Travel, furthers his mission of cross-cultural understanding, leading readers to the settings of his stories.
Shors’s work reminds us that stories can transcend borders, illuminating shared humanity. His blend of historical and contemporary narratives continues to inspire readers to explore diverse perspectives and embrace empathy.
- Born: Des Moines, Iowa
- Key Works: Beneath a Marble Sky, Beside a Burning Sea, Dragon House, Unbound
- Awards: Multiple awards for his novels
- Fun Fact: Shors has spoken with over 3,000 book clubs worldwide!
Snag Beneath a Marble Sky and dive into John Shors’s captivating historical fiction today!