Picture a Houston storyteller who weaves lyrical tales of self-discovery and spirituality—meet Liara Tamani! This rising star in young adult literature has captivated readers with her poetic prose and authentic characters, starting with her acclaimed debut, Calling My Name. From dropping out of Harvard Law School to crafting stories that resonate with teens, Tamani’s journey is as inspiring as her novels.
Born in Akron, Ohio, and raised in Houston, Texas, Tamani’s unique voice reflects her roots and her bold choices. Her novels, set against the vibrant backdrop of Houston, explore the universal struggles of growing up, making her a fresh and vital voice in contemporary fiction.
The Making of Liara Tamani
Tamani’s path to authorship was anything but conventional. Growing up in a religious, loving family, she was steeped in Houston’s rich culture, which later infused her writing. Initially set on following her father’s footsteps as a lawyer, she earned a BA from Duke University and enrolled at Harvard Law School. But her heart wasn’t in it—she left after her first year, a daring move that led her to explore diverse careers, from marketing for the Houston Rockets to floral design and yoga teaching. Her love for writing, sparked by reading Toni Morrison and Zora Neale Hurston, eventually brought her to an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts, where she honed her craft.
Liara Tamani’s Unforgettable Stories
Tamani’s debut novel, Calling My Name (2017), is a luminous coming-of-age story about Taja Brown, an African American teen navigating family expectations, spirituality, and identity in Houston. Told in 53 poetic chapters, it earned accolades as a 2018 PEN America Literary Award Finalist and SCBWI Golden Kite Finalist. Critics praised its lyrical style, comparing it to Jacqueline Woodson’s work.
Her second novel, All the Things We Never Knew (2020), a Kirkus Best YA Book of the Year, follows two basketball stars, Rex and Carli, in a heartfelt romance that tackles first love and family secrets. What She Missed (2023) explores sixteen-year-old Ebony Jones’ summer of self-discovery in rural Texas, blending themes of grief, nature, and love. Tamani’s writing—poetic, grounded, and emotionally rich—captures the complexities of adolescence with authenticity and grace, making her stories resonate with teens and adults alike.
Why Liara Tamani Matters
Tamani’s impact on young adult literature lies in her ability to give voice to underrepresented teens, particularly African American girls, whose stories of love, faith, and identity are often overlooked. Her Houston settings and focus on spirituality offer a fresh perspective, while her lyrical prose invites readers to reflect on their own journeys. By drawing from her own experiences, Tamani creates characters who feel real and relatable, inspiring young readers to embrace their unique paths.
Her work has been featured in Time Magazine, NPR, and Essence, signaling her growing influence. As she continues to write, Tamani is poised to shape the future of YA literature, encouraging teens to find their own power and purpose.
- Born: Akron, Ohio; raised in Houston, Texas
- Key Works: Calling My Name, All the Things We Never Knew, What She Missed
- Awards: 2018 PEN America Literary Award Finalist, SCBWI Golden Kite Finalist
- Education: BA from Duke University, MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts
Ready to dive into Tamani’s world? Snag Calling My Name and get lost in her poetic, soul-stirring stories!