Picture a Texas storyteller who spins tales as vibrant as an Austin sunset—meet Sarah Bird! With her sharp wit and warm heart, this award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and journalist has captured the quirks of modern American life. From her military brat childhood to her celebrated novels, Bird’s stories blend humor, history, and humanity, making her a beloved voice in contemporary literature.
Born in 1949 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Bird’s life has been a tapestry of experiences that fuel her storytelling. Her work, spanning novels like Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen and essays in Texas Monthly, reflects her knack for finding the extraordinary in the everyday. Let’s dive into the world of Sarah Bird!
The Making of Sarah Bird
Sarah Bird’s early life was a whirlwind of movement, thanks to her father’s career as a U.S. Air Force officer. Growing up in a Catholic family of eight, she hopped from base to base across the U.S. and beyond, soaking up stories from each new place. Her mother, Colista, spotted her creative spark in kindergarten, nurturing a talent that would shine through her writing. Bird earned a BA from the University of New Mexico in 1973 and an MA in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin in 1976, where she settled with her husband, George Jones, and their son, Gabriel. Her eclectic early jobs—scuba diving instructor in Spain, temp worker at the LBJ Library—added layers to her narrative voice.
Sarah Bird’s Unforgettable Stories
Bird’s novels are a delightful mix of humor, heart, and history, often drawing from her own experiences. Her debut, Alamo House (1986), is a riotous take on sorority life at the University of Texas, brimming with her signature irreverence. The Boyfriend School (1989) hilariously skewers romance writing, later adapted into the 1990 film Don’t Tell Her It’s Me. Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen (2018) is a standout, telling the true story of Cathy Williams, the only woman to serve with the Buffalo Soldiers, earning praise as one of the best Texas novels. Above the East China Sea (2014) weaves a poignant tale of two teens across time, blending Okinawan folklore with military life. Bird’s style—witty, warm, and deeply human—makes her characters leap off the page, whether she’s exploring rodeo culture in Virgin of the Rodeo or flamenco passion in The Flamenco Academy.
Beyond novels, Bird’s essays and articles for The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, and Texas Monthly showcase her versatility. Her screenwriting credits include work for Paramount, CBS, and National Geographic, and she was selected for the Meryl Streep/Oprah Winfrey Screenwriters’ Lab in 2015. Her latest work, Juneteenth Rodeo (2024), captures the vibrancy of Black rodeos through her 1970s photojournalism.
Why Sarah Bird Matters
Sarah Bird’s impact lies in her ability to illuminate the human condition with humor and empathy. Her stories celebrate resilience, from the trailblazing Cathy Williams to the unsung heroes of military families. Honored with the Texas Literary Hall of Fame induction, nine Austin Chronicle Best Fiction Writer awards, and the 2020 Paul Ré Award for Cultural Advocacy, Bird has left an indelible mark on literary and historical fiction. Her work resonates with readers who crave authentic, heartfelt narratives, making her a Texas treasure and a national gem.
- Born: December 26, 1949, in Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Key Works: Alamo House, Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen, Above the East China Sea
- Awards: Texas Literary Hall of Fame, 2020 Paul Ré Award
- Fun Fact: She once tasted Lynda Bird Johnson’s wedding cake while working at the LBJ Library!
About Sarah Bird
Snag Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen and dive into Sarah Bird’s witty, soulful world—your bookshelf will thank you!