Picture an American journalist who can make earthquakes and human error utterly riveting—meet Kathryn Schulz! With a Pulitzer Prize under her belt and a knack for weaving profound insights with wit, Schulz has become a standout voice in contemporary journalism. Her work, from The New Yorker’s gripping features to her bestselling books, invites readers to explore life’s complexities with curiosity and heart.
The Making of Kathryn Schulz
Born in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Kathryn Schulz grew up in a fiercely intellectual family, where ideas were the currency of conversation. Her parents, a teacher and a lawyer, and her sister, MIT cognitive scientist Laura Schulz, shaped her love for big questions. After graduating from Brown University in 1996 with a history degree, Schulz veered from academia to journalism, kicking off her career at The Santiago Times in Chile, covering environmental and human rights issues. This global start sparked her lifelong passion for storytelling that bridges the personal and the profound.
Kathryn Schulz’s Unforgettable Stories
Schulz’s writing is a masterclass in making the complex feel intimate. Her 2010 book, Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error, dives into the human tendency to err, blending humor, philosophy, and sharp prose. Critics like Dwight Garner praised its ‘beautiful sunlit contrails,’ calling it a meditation on error as a courageous trait. In 2015, her New Yorker article ‘The Really Big One’ won a Pulitzer Prize for its chilling yet accessible take on seismic risks in the Pacific Northwest, shaking up public awareness.
Her 2022 memoir, Lost & Found, is a tender exploration of love and grief, weaving the joy of meeting her wife, Casey Cep, with the loss of her father. Born from a New Yorker essay, it’s been hailed as ‘profound and beautiful’ by Marilynne Robinson. Schulz’s style—lucid, witty, and emotionally resonant—tackles everything from stinkbugs to civil rights activist Pauli Murray, always with a lens of wonder and humanity.
Why Kathryn Schulz Matters
Kathryn Schulz’s impact lies in her ability to make readers rethink the world. Her work doesn’t just inform; it challenges assumptions and sparks empathy, whether she’s dissecting geologic disasters or personal loss. Her Pulitzer and National Magazine Awards underscore her influence, while her essays in collections like The Best American Essays cement her as a literary force. Schulz’s voice—warm, curious, and unafraid of complexity—continues to shape journalism and memoir, inspiring readers to embrace life’s messiness.
About Kathryn Schulz
- Born: Shaker Heights, Ohio
- Key Works: Being Wrong (2010), Lost & Found (2022), ‘The Really Big One’ (2015)
- Awards: Pulitzer Prize (2016), National Magazine Award (2016), Lambda Literary Award (2023)
- Fun Fact: She lives with her wife, Casey Cep, and their daughters on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Snag Lost & Found or dive into Schulz’s New Yorker archive for a dose of her brilliant, heart-stirring prose!