Picture a storyteller who traded dance shoes for a pen, weaving tales of love and trauma that hit you right in the heart—meet Suanne Laqueur! A former professional dancer and teacher, Laqueur crafts contemporary fiction that’s been called 'therapy fiction' and 'emotionally intelligent romance.' Her debut novel, The Man I Love, launched her into literary stardom, earning awards and a devoted readership. With a knack for blending raw emotion with polished prose, Laqueur’s stories resonate with anyone who’s ever loved, lost, or fought to heal.
Born in Westchester County, New York, Laqueur grew up in an artsy, musical family, surrounded by creativity. Her journey from the stage to the page is as captivating as her novels, making her a unique voice in modern literature. Ready to dive into her world?
The Making of Suanne Laqueur
Suanne Laqueur’s early life was a whirlwind of rhythm and movement. With a mother who owned a dance studio and a father who worked as a translator, she was steeped in an eclectic, artistic environment. As a shy, introverted child, Laqueur found solace in dance, which became her passion. She earned a double major in dance and theater from Alfred University and later taught at the Carol Bierman School of Ballet Arts in Croton-on-Hudson for a decade. But in her forties, a new creative spark emerged: writing. Inspired by personal experiences and a love for storytelling, Laqueur began crafting fiction that mirrored the depth and grace of her dance background.
Suanne Laqueur’s Unforgettable Stories
Laqueur’s novels are a masterclass in emotional storytelling, blending romance, psychology, and generational trauma. Her debut, The Man I Love (2014), follows Erik Fiskare and Daisy Bianco, soulmates torn apart by a tragic school shooting. The novel’s raw exploration of love and recovery won a gold medal at the 2015 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards and was named Best Debut by the Feathered Quill Book Awards. Its sequel, Give Me Your Answer True (2014), delves deeper into Daisy’s perspective, earning another gold medal in 2016.
The Venery series, starting with An Exaltation of Larks (2014), showcases Laqueur’s ability to weave complex narratives across decades. This novel, a grand prize winner at the 2017 Writer’s Digest Book Awards, explores love, loyalty, and the impact of historical events like 9/11. A Charm of Finches (2017) tackles male sexual assault with compassion, earning praise for its depth and sensitivity. Laqueur’s style—often described as 'contemporary train wreck'—combines poetic prose with unflinching honesty, making her books both heartbreaking and hopeful.
Her 2021 novel, A Small Hotel, continues her signature blend of intimate relationships and emotional resilience, proving her versatility. Whether she’s writing about surviving trauma or rediscovering love, Laqueur’s stories feel like a conversation with a wise friend who’s seen it all.
Why Suanne Laqueur Matters
Suanne Laqueur’s impact on contemporary fiction lies in her fearless exploration of mental health and human connection. As a devoted advocate for mental health awareness, she infuses her novels with insights into PTSD, trauma, and healing, offering readers a safe space to process their own experiences. Her work transcends genre, appealing to men and women alike, and her ability to craft multidimensional characters has earned her a loyal following. Laqueur’s novels don’t just entertain—they validate and inspire, reminding us that love and resilience can triumph over pain.
Her awards, including the 2019 North Street Book Prize for An Exaltation of Larks, underscore her literary prowess. By turning personal and collective traumas into stories of hope, Laqueur has carved a niche as a storyteller who doesn’t shy away from the messy, beautiful truth of being human.
- Born: Westchester County, New York
- Key Works: The Man I Love, Give Me Your Answer True, An Exaltation of Larks, A Charm of Finches
- Awards: 2015 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal, 2017 Writer’s Digest Grand Prize, 2019 North Street Book Prize
- Fun Fact: Laqueur started her blog, EatsReadsThinks, in 2010, sharing her love for reading, cooking, and gardening.
Ready to get swept away? Snag The Man I Love and dive into Suanne Laqueur’s soul-stirring world of emotionally intelligent romance!