Picture a storyteller who spins everyday mishaps into laugh-out-loud tales and daring historical adventures—meet Laurie Notaro! Born in Brooklyn and raised in the sun-soaked streets of Phoenix, Arizona, this genre-defying author has carved a niche with her razor-sharp wit and relatable storytelling. From her New York Times bestselling memoirs to her gripping historical novels, Notaro’s work captures the messy, hilarious, and profound moments of life, earning her a devoted following and a spot as a Thurber Award finalist for American Humor.
With a knack for turning the mundane into the extraordinary, Notaro’s writing feels like a chat with a witty best friend—one who’s not afraid to admit she’s tripped over life’s hurdles. Whether she’s chronicling her misadventures or reimagining forgotten historical figures, her voice is unmistakably hers: bold, self-deprecating, and endlessly entertaining.
The Making of Laurie Notaro
Born in October 1965 in Brooklyn, New York, Laurie Notaro moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where her formative years were, let’s say, colorful. A journalism graduate from Arizona State University, she dove into the media world, co-founding Planet Magazine and serving as a senior editor at Tucson Monthly. For a decade, she penned columns for The Arizona Republic, honing her humorous take on life’s absurdities. These early gigs laid the groundwork for her distinctive voice, blending journalistic precision with a comedian’s flair. After years of rejections, her persistence paid off when Random House picked up her debut, The Idiot Girls’ Action-Adventure Club, in 2001, launching her into literary stardom.
Laurie Notaro’s Unforgettable Stories
Notaro’s bibliography is a delightful mix of humor, fiction, and historical drama. Her breakout memoir, The Idiot Girls’ Action-Adventure Club (2002), is a riotous collection of essays about her misspent youth and clumsy adulthood, from disastrous high school reunions to epic hangovers. Its zits-and-all candor made it a cult favorite, resonating with readers who saw themselves in her self-deprecating humor. Autobiography of a Fat Bride (2003) followed, chronicling her chaotic journey from party girl to married homeowner with the same irreverent charm.
Notaro’s fiction is equally compelling. There’s a (Slight) Chance I Might Be Going to Hell (2007) follows Maye, a freelance writer navigating a quirky small-town pageant while uncovering a dark mystery—a perfect blend of humor and suspense. Her historical novel Crossing the Horizon (2016) showcases her versatility, telling the true stories of three female aviators vying to cross the Atlantic before Amelia Earhart. Meticulously researched, it’s a testament to Notaro’s ability to breathe life into forgotten histories. Her latest, Excuse Me While I Disappear (2022), reflects on midlife with biting wit, proving she’s as relevant as ever.
Notaro’s style is her superpower: she transforms the ordinary—whether it’s a bad date or a historical footnote—into stories that are universally relatable yet uniquely her own. Her humor is blunt but warm, often poking fun at herself while celebrating resilience and imperfection.
Why Laurie Notaro Matters
Laurie Notaro’s impact lies in her ability to make readers laugh, cringe, and nod in recognition. Her memoirs have redefined humorous storytelling, offering a raw, unfiltered look at womanhood and aging that’s both empowering and hilarious. By tackling everything from Gen X angst to historical trailblazers, she’s expanded the boundaries of what a humorist can do. Her Thurber Award finalist nod underscores her influence in American humor, and her contributions to outlets like The New York Times and Glamour have amplified her voice. Now living in Eugene, Oregon, Notaro continues to write with the same pluck that made her a household name.
- Born: October 1965, Brooklyn, New York
- Key Works: The Idiot Girls’ Action-Adventure Club, Autobiography of a Fat Bride, Crossing the Horizon, Excuse Me While I Disappear
- Awards: Finalist, Thurber Award for American Humor
- Fun Fact: She misses Phoenix’s Mexican food like it’s her long-lost youth!
Ready for a dose of Notaro’s wit? Snag The Idiot Girls’ Action-Adventure Club and dive into her hilarious, heartfelt world!