Picture a Thai-American storyteller who spun a dystopian tale of future memories—meet Pintip Dunn! A New York Times bestselling author, Dunn has captivated young adult readers with her thrilling science fiction and heartfelt rom-coms. Her debut, Forget Tomorrow, not only won hearts but also snagged the prestigious RWA RITA Award, launching her into the literary spotlight.
With a knack for blending high-stakes plots with emotional depth, Dunn’s stories explore identity, sacrifice, and the power of choice. Her unique perspective as a first-generation Thai-American shines through, making her a standout voice in contemporary YA fiction. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the journey of this remarkable author!
The Making of Pintip Dunn
Born to Thai immigrants, Pintip Dunn grew up in the small town of Parsons, Kansas, where her love for storytelling took root. As a first-grader, she boldly declared her dream of becoming an author—a vision that never wavered. Dunn’s academic path was equally impressive: she graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in English Literature and earned a J.D. from Yale Law School. Yet, her heart remained with writing, inspired by her childhood love of stories and the encouragement of her teachers and family.
After practicing law, a health challenge prompted Dunn to chase her true passion. She poured her energy into crafting young adult novels, blending her Thai heritage and analytical mind into narratives that resonate with readers worldwide. Her determination and diverse background shaped her into the award-winning author we celebrate today.
Pintip Dunn’s Unforgettable Stories
Dunn’s bibliography is a treasure trove of thrilling and heartfelt tales. Her debut, Forget Tomorrow (2015), introduces a dystopian world where people receive memories from their future selves. The story follows Callie, who sees herself committing a shocking act, setting off a gripping adventure. This novel won the 2016 RWA RITA for Best First Book and hit the New York Times bestseller list, cementing Dunn’s place in YA sci-fi.
The Forget Tomorrow series continues with Remember Yesterday and Seize Today, the latter earning the 2018 RITA for Best Young Adult Romance. Beyond dystopia, Dunn’s standalone novels showcase her versatility. Malice (2020) tackles time travel and moral dilemmas as a teen races to prevent a catastrophic virus. Meanwhile, Dating Makes Perfect (2020), a Junior Library Guild selection, offers a charming Thai-American rom-com about navigating family expectations and love. Dunn’s writing style—marked by vivid world-building, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes—keeps readers hooked.
Recently, Dunn co-authored The Lotus Flower Champion (2023) with her daughter, Love Dunn, weaving Thai folktales and a biracial heroine with OCD into a vibrant romantasy. This collaboration highlights Dunn’s ability to evolve while staying true to her cultural roots and storytelling passion.
Why Pintip Dunn Matters
Pintip Dunn’s impact on young adult literature is profound. Her stories, translated into four languages, resonate with readers for their emotional depth and diverse representation. As a Thai-American author, she brings authentic cultural perspectives to YA fiction, inspiring readers to embrace their identities. Her awards, including two RITA wins and nominations for the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire and Japanese Sakura Medal, reflect her influence.
Dunn’s exploration of futuristic dilemmas and universal themes like love and sacrifice connects with teens and adults alike. Her collaboration with her daughter signals a legacy that extends beyond her own pen, fostering new voices in literature. In a genre often dominated by familiar narratives, Dunn’s fresh, inclusive stories are a beacon of creativity.
About Pintip Dunn
- Heritage: First-generation Thai-American, raised in Parsons, Kansas.
- Education: Harvard University (A.B., magna cum laude); Yale Law School (J.D.).
- Key Works: Forget Tomorrow, Malice, Dating Makes Perfect, The Lotus Flower Champion.
- Awards: 2016 RWA RITA (Best First Book), 2018 RWA RITA (Best YA Romance).
- Fun Fact: She’s obsessed with penguins and once dreamed of being named “Pin Gwynn”!
Snag Forget Tomorrow or Dating Makes Perfect and dive into Pintip Dunn’s thrilling, heartfelt world of YA fiction!