Picture a Korean-American storyteller who spins tales of love, identity, and the messy magic of growing up—meet Maurene Goo! With her sharp wit and heartfelt narratives, Goo has carved a vibrant niche in young adult fiction, captivating readers with stories that blend humor, romance, and cultural nuance. Her novels, like I Believe in a Thing Called Love and Since You Asked, resonate with teens navigating the highs and lows of adolescence, all while celebrating her Korean heritage.
Born and raised in the sunny suburbs of Los Angeles, Goo’s journey to authorship is as colorful as her books. Her unique voice, infused with pop-culture savvy and authentic Korean-American experiences, has made her a standout in contemporary YA literature, with fans across the globe eagerly awaiting her next story.
The Making of Maurene Goo
Maurene Goo was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Glendale, California, surrounded by books and a tight-knit Korean-American family. Initially set on becoming a journalist, she studied communication and English literature at UC San Diego. Her love for storytelling deepened, leading her to pursue a master’s in publishing, writing, and literature at Emerson College. Before her debut novel, Goo worked in publishing and design, honing her craft and dreaming of her own stories. Her determination to write authentic, relatable tales for teens set the stage for her literary career.
Maurene Goo’s Unforgettable Stories
Goo’s novels are a delightful mix of humor, heart, and cultural insight, often centered on Korean-American teens finding their place in the world. Her debut, Since You Asked (2013), follows Holly Kim, a snarky high schooler whose accidental newspaper rant earns her a column—and a whirlwind of drama. The book’s fresh take on fitting in without conforming won readers over instantly.
In I Believe in a Thing Called Love (2017), Desi Lee, a brainy overachiever, uses K-drama tropes to win her crush’s heart, leading to hilarious and heartfelt chaos. Praised for its diverse cast and nod to Korean pop culture, it earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus. The Way You Make Me Feel (2018) explores self-discovery through Clara Shin’s summer on her dad’s Korean-Brazilian food truck, blending romance with themes of identity. Her latest, Throwback (2023), time-travels a Gen Z teen to the ’90s, tackling intergenerational bonds with Goo’s signature charm.
Goo’s style is conversational yet poignant, weaving Korean-American experiences into universal coming-of-age themes. Her characters grapple with family expectations, cultural identity, and first loves, all with a playful, relatable edge that mirrors the vibrancy of K-dramas and rom-coms.
Why Maurene Goo Matters
Maurene Goo’s impact on young adult literature lies in her ability to craft stories that resonate across cultures while amplifying Korean-American voices. Her novels offer representation for Asian-American teens, blending humor and heart to explore the complexities of identity and belonging. With translations in twelve languages and Netflix options for I Believe in a Thing Called Love and Somewhere Only We Know, Goo’s global reach is undeniable. Her work has landed on NPR, Cosmo, and New York Public Library “Best Book” lists, cementing her as a trailblazer in diverse YA fiction.
About Maurene Goo
- Born: July 9, in Los Angeles, California
- Key Works: Since You Asked, I Believe in a Thing Called Love, The Way You Make Me Feel, Throwback
- Awards: California Library Association’s John and Patricia Beatty Award for The Way You Make Me Feel
- Fun Fact: Goo has written for Marvel’s Silk series, showcasing her versatility.
Ready to dive into Maurene Goo’s world of witty romance and cultural pride? Grab I Believe in a Thing Called Love and get swept away by her charming, laugh-out-loud storytelling!