Picture a storyteller who jet-sets through history and culture, weaving tales that make you rethink the world—meet Julia Cooke! Born in 1983, this American journalist and author has a knack for uncovering hidden stories, from the vibrant youth culture of post-Fidel Cuba to the trailblazing women who soared with Pan Am in the Jet Age. With her sharp prose and curious spirit, Cooke transforms nonfiction into a page-turning adventure.
The Making of Julia Cooke
Growing up as the daughter of a Pan Am executive, Cooke’s childhood was a whirlwind of spontaneous global trips, from Italy to Australia. These early adventures sparked her love for diverse cultures and stories untold. After studying abroad in Cuba as a college student, she noticed a gap between reported narratives and real experiences, fueling her drive to write. Her career kicked off with essays and reporting for outlets like The New York Times and Condé Nast Traveler, blending keen observation with vivid storytelling.
Julia Cooke’s Unforgettable Stories
Cooke’s books are like passports to overlooked worlds. Her debut, The Other Side of Paradise: Life in the New Cuba (2014), dives into Havana’s dynamic youth scene, capturing baby-faced anarchists, elite offspring, and dreamers navigating a city on the cusp of change. Come Fly the World: The Jet-Age Story of the Women of Pan Am (2021) soars through the 1960s and 70s, spotlighting Pan Am stewardesses who broke barriers while serving soldiers during the Vietnam War and aiding in Operation Babylift. Her upcoming book, Restless Women, explores the lives of trailblazing female writers like Rebecca West and Martha Gellhorn. Cooke’s style—lively, empathetic, and meticulously researched—turns historical and cultural narratives into intimate, human stories.
Her essays and journalism, published in Tin House, Smithsonian, and Virginia Quarterly Review (where she’s a contributing editor), tackle everything from Cuban sex workers to the Portuguese town that inspired James Bond. A finalist for the 2014 Livingston Award and winner of a 2016 New York Press Club Award, Cooke’s work has been anthologized in Best American Travel Writing and noted in Best American Essays.
Why Julia Cooke Matters
Julia Cooke’s impact lies in her ability to amplify marginalized voices and challenge stereotypes. Her stories about Pan Am stewardesses redefined their legacy, showing them as savvy, courageous women, not just glamorous servers. In Cuba, she gave a platform to young people often reduced to clichés. By blending journalism with narrative flair, Cooke inspires readers to see history and culture through a fresh, inclusive lens, making her a vital voice in contemporary nonfiction.
- Born: 1983
- Key Works: The Other Side of Paradise, Come Fly the World, Restless Women (forthcoming)
- Awards: 2016 New York Press Club Award, 2014 Livingston Award finalist
Ready to explore uncharted stories? Snag Come Fly the World and dive into Julia Cooke’s vibrant nonfiction universe!