Picture a Chicago-born storyteller who dove into a Manhattan dumpster and emerged with a literary gem—meet Lily Koppel! A journalist turned bestselling author, Koppel has a knack for unearthing forgotten stories and weaving them into vibrant narratives. Her books, like The Red Leather Diary and The Astronaut Wives Club, blend historical insight with personal discovery, earning her a unique spot in contemporary American literature.
With a self-described identity as 'equal parts Jewish writer, extraordinary dumpster diver, and storyteller,' Koppel’s work captures the magic of serendipity and the power of untold voices. Her light, evocative prose invites readers to step into the past, whether it’s 1930s New York or the Space Age’s domestic frontlines.
The Making of Lily Koppel
Born on March 15, 1981, in Chicago, Lily Koppel grew up in a city buzzing with history and culture. Her parents, New Yorkers transplanted to the Windy City, nurtured her love for stories—trips to the Lincoln Park Zoo and Marshall Field’s department store sparked her imagination. After graduating from The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, she headed to Barnard College, earning a degree in English and creative writing in 2003. At Barnard, she penned stories and screenplays, including one titled 'Hitchcock Blonde,' hinting at her flair for the dramatic.
Koppel’s career kicked off at The New York Times, where she reported for the Boldface Names celebrity column. Gawker dubbed her 'The Bravest Gossip Reporter Ever,' a nod to her fearless dive into New York’s social scene. This early gig honed her ability to spot compelling stories, setting the stage for her literary breakthroughs.
Lily Koppel’s Unforgettable Stories
Koppel’s debut, The Red Leather Diary (2008), sprang from a serendipitous find: a 1930s diary rescued from a dumpster outside her Manhattan apartment. The journal, penned by Florence Wolfson, painted a vivid picture of a young woman’s dreams in a glittering, bygone New York. Koppel’s quest to reunite the diary with its 90-year-old owner became a New York Times cover story, then a bestselling book. Critics praised its 'skillful reporting' and 'excellent eye for period detail,' noting how Koppel brought 1930s Manhattan to life.
In 2013, Koppel published The Astronaut Wives Club, a lively exploration of the women behind America’s Mercury Seven astronauts. The book, which inspired an ABC TV series in 2015, captures the glamour and grit of these wives as they navigated fame, fear, and the Space Race. Publisher’s Weekly called it 'an entertaining and quirky throwback,' highlighting Koppel’s ability to blend historical rigor with human warmth. Her style—conversational yet meticulously researched—makes complex histories feel intimate and accessible.
Koppel’s writing often centers on women’s hidden stories, from Florence’s artistic ambitions to the astronauts’ wives’ quiet resilience. Her knack for finding 'untold stories' extends to her upcoming novel, which she’s teased as a fictional tale that gives her 'goose bumps.' Whether nonfiction or fiction, Koppel’s work celebrates the extraordinary in the everyday.
Why Lily Koppel Matters
Lily Koppel’s impact lies in her ability to resurrect forgotten voices, particularly women’s, and make history feel immediate and personal. Her books don’t just recount the past—they invite readers to connect with it emotionally. By spotlighting figures like Florence Wolfson and the astronauts’ wives, she reshapes how we view American history, emphasizing the unsung heroes behind iconic moments.
Her influence extends beyond bookshelves. The ABC series adaptation of The Astronaut Wives Club brought her storytelling to a wider audience, cementing her role as a cultural historian. Koppel’s blend of journalism, adventure, and empathy continues to inspire readers and writers to seek out the stories hiding in plain sight.
- Born: March 15, 1981, Chicago, Illinois
- Key Works: The Red Leather Diary (2008), The Astronaut Wives Club (2013)
- Education: Barnard College, B.A. in English and Creative Writing (2003)
- Notable Appearances: The Today Show, Good Morning America, NPR
Ready to dive into Lily Koppel’s world? Snag The Red Leather Diary or The Astronaut Wives Club and let her vibrant storytelling sweep you away!