Picture a New York-born storyteller who swapped courtrooms for captivating novels—meet Julie Buxbaum! A Harvard Law graduate turned New York Times bestselling author, Buxbaum crafts young adult and adult fiction that tugs at heartstrings. From the witty romance of Tell Me Three Things to the poignant depth of The Opposite of Love, her stories resonate with readers worldwide, blending humor, loss, and love with a distinctly human touch.
Now based in Los Angeles, Buxbaum’s journey from lawyer to literary star is as compelling as her books. Her ability to capture the messy beauty of life has made her a beloved voice in contemporary literature, inviting readers to laugh, cry, and reflect.
The Making of Julie Buxbaum
Born in 1977 in New York, Julie Buxbaum grew up with a love for stories, though her path initially led to law. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, she graduated from Harvard Law School and practiced as a lawyer. But the pull of storytelling was stronger. Inspired by a New Year’s resolution, she quit her legal career to write her debut novel, a bold leap that launched her literary journey. Her early loss of her mother at age 14 deeply shaped her, infusing her work with themes of grief and resilience.
Julie Buxbaum’s Unforgettable Stories
Buxbaum’s novels span adult and young adult fiction, each marked by her knack for blending humor with heartache. Her debut, The Opposite of Love (2008), follows a Manhattan attorney grappling with love and loss, earning praise for merging literary depth with chick-lit charm. Her second adult novel, After You (2009), explores friendship and tragedy with emotional precision.
Transitioning to young adult fiction, Buxbaum found her stride with Tell Me Three Things (2016), a New York Times bestseller. This heartfelt tale of a teen navigating grief and new beginnings through anonymous emails struck a chord with readers. Other YA hits like What to Say Next (2017), tackling autism and friendship, and Hope and Other Punchlines (2019), inspired by 9/11, showcase her ability to weave topical issues into relatable stories. Her recent middle-grade series, The Area 51 Files (2022), brings her signature wit to younger readers.
Buxbaum’s style is conversational yet profound, often exploring first love, loss, and identity. Her characters feel like friends, their struggles and triumphs universally relatable. Translated into 25 languages, her work reflects a global appeal, grounded in her sharp insight into human nature.
Why Julie Buxbaum Matters
Julie Buxbaum’s impact lies in her ability to make readers feel seen. Her young adult novels resonate with teens navigating complex emotions, while her adult fiction speaks to those wrestling with life’s big questions. By tackling issues like grief, autism, and societal scandals (as in Admission, inspired by the college admissions scandal), she sparks meaningful conversations. Her transition from law to literature inspires aspiring writers, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream.
Buxbaum’s stories bridge generations, offering humor and hope in equal measure. Her growing middle-grade audience shows her versatility, cementing her as a dynamic voice in modern storytelling.
- Born: 1977, New York
- Key Works: The Opposite of Love, Tell Me Three Things, What to Say Next, The Area 51 Files
- Notable: New York Times bestselling author, Harvard Law graduate
Snag Tell Me Three Things and dive into Julie Buxbaum’s heartfelt world of wit and wisdom!