Picture an American storyteller who finds magic in the collision of humans, animals, and history—meet Jon Mooallem! A masterful narrative nonfiction writer, Mooallem has spent years crafting stories for The New York Times Magazine, weaving tales that blend meticulous research with a knack for spotting the extraordinary in the everyday. From quirky animal conservation sagas to gripping accounts of human resilience, his work invites readers to rethink the world around them.
Based on Bainbridge Island, Washington, Mooallem’s storytelling is as much about heart as it is about insight. Whether he’s diving into the chaos of a historic earthquake or pondering our obsession with wild creatures, his light, empathetic tone makes every page a journey. Ready to meet the man behind the stories?
The Making of Jon Mooallem
Raised in suburban New Jersey, Jon Mooallem wasn’t exactly chasing bears or earthquakes as a kid—his wildlife encounters were more PBS’s Wild America than rugged expeditions. A graduate of Colorado College and the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism in 2006, he honed his craft under mentors like Michael Pollan and Rebecca Solnit, learning to find fresh angles on well-trodden topics. Early gigs at The Hudson Review sifting poetry slush piles felt far from glamorous, but they sharpened his eye for unique narratives. By 2006, he was contributing to The New York Times Magazine, where his fascination with human-animal relationships and cultural quirks took root.
Jon Mooallem’s Unforgettable Stories
Mooallem’s books are where his storytelling shines brightest. His 2013 debut, Wild Ones: A Sometimes Dismaying, Weirdly Reassuring Story About Looking at People Looking at Animals in America, is a witty, poignant exploration of conservation. From polar bears to whooping cranes, Mooallem examines how humans project their hopes and fears onto wildlife, earning accolades as one of The New York Times Book Review’s 100 Notable Books of 2013. In 2013, he also published American Hippopotamus, a wild tale of two spies plotting to ranch hippos in America—a story so bizarre it feels like fiction.
In 2020, This Is Chance!: The Shaking of An American City, The Voice That Held It Together hit shelves, chronicling the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake through the lens of radio reporter Genie Chance. Mooallem’s vivid narrative, blending disaster with community spirit, was named a best book of 2020 by Amazon and BuzzFeed. His 2022 essay collection, Serious Face, showcases his range, tackling everything from pandemics to a bullfighter doppelgänger with humor and heart. Mooallem’s style—curious, empathetic, and laced with a touch of absurdity—makes complex topics feel like chats with a friend.
Beyond books, Mooallem’s work spans podcasts like This American Life, live performances with Pop-Up Magazine, and even a quirky Walking Podcast capturing his Bainbridge Island strolls. His ability to find meaning in the mundane sets him apart as a storyteller who sees the world through a kaleidoscope of wonder.
Why Jon Mooallem Matters
Jon Mooallem’s impact lies in his ability to bridge science, history, and human experience with stories that stick. His work challenges readers to question their assumptions—about nature, culture, and even themselves—while offering a reassuring lens on our messy world. By spotlighting unsung heroes like Genie Chance or forgotten oddities like hippo ranchers, he elevates the overlooked, making narrative nonfiction feel urgent and alive. His contributions to outlets like This American Life and TED Talks amplify his voice, inspiring a generation of writers and readers to find stories where others see only noise.
- Key Works: Wild Ones (2013), American Hippopotamus (2013), This Is Chance! (2020), Serious Face (2022)
- Awards: Wild Ones named a Notable Book by The New York Times Book Review; This Is Chance! a best book of 2020 by Amazon
- Fun Fact: Mooallem once created a hit podcast about walking but stopped because it got too popular!
Snag Wild Ones or This Is Chance! and dive into Jon Mooallem’s world of curious, compassionate storytelling—you’ll never see animals, earthquakes, or even your daily walk the same way again!