Picture a New Jersey native who swapped a physics classroom for the vibrant streets of New York City in her bestselling novels—meet Susane Colasanti! This young adult author weaves heartfelt stories of teen love, self-discovery, and friendship, capturing the electric pulse of adolescence with a romantic, realistic flair that keeps readers hooked.
With her City Love trilogy and standalone hits like When It Happens, Colasanti has carved a niche in contemporary YA fiction, blending the magic of Manhattan with the messy beauty of growing up. Her books resonate with fans of Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han, offering a front-row seat to the thrills and heartbreaks of youth.
The Making of Susane Colasanti
Born on May 1, 1973, in Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey, Susane Colasanti grew up in a rural area surrounded by woods, dreaming of city life. Her passion for storytelling was sparked by authors like S.E. Hinton and Louise Fitzhugh, whose raw, relatable narratives inspired her own. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Astrophysics and Space Science from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s in Science Education from New York University, she spent a decade teaching high school physics, earth science, and meteorology in Manhattan and the South Bronx. Her innovative teaching style—think unconventional science labs and after-school lessons—earned her comparisons to the inspirational teacher in Dangerous Minds. In 2007, Colasanti took a leap of faith, leaving teaching to pursue writing full-time, a decision that would define her legacy.
Susane Colasanti’s Unforgettable Stories
Colasanti’s novels are a love letter to teenage dreams and the vibrant chaos of New York City. Her debut, When It Happens (2006), follows Sara and Tobey as they navigate senior year and unexpected romance, earning praise for its authentic dialogue and relatable characters. Something Like Fate (2010) explores love triangles and destiny, showcasing her knack for capturing the heart-pounding suspense of young love. The City Love trilogy (2015–2017) is a standout, following three college-bound girls—Sadie, Darcy, and Rosanna—sharing a Manhattan apartment. Each book, from City Love to Forever in Love, weaves alternating perspectives, diving into summer flings, heartbreak, and sisterhood against a glittering NYC backdrop.
Her writing style is conversational yet poignant, blending humor, pop culture references, and emotional depth. Colasanti’s themes—first love, self-discovery, and resilience—resonate with teens and adults alike, making her stories both timeless and deeply personal. Critics laud her ability to “capture the teenage voice” (VOYA) and create “multi-layered characters” (Kirkus), cementing her place in YA literature.
Why Susane Colasanti Matters
Susane Colasanti’s impact lies in her ability to make readers feel seen. Her novels tackle the universal struggles of adolescence—crushes, betrayals, and finding oneself—with a sincerity that strikes a chord. The City Love series, in particular, celebrates female friendship and independence, inspiring young women to chase their dreams in a world full of possibilities. With over a million books in print, translated into languages like Turkish, Spanish, and Russian, her stories have reached a global audience, proving that the language of love and growth transcends borders.
Colasanti’s journey from teacher to novelist also inspires aspiring writers, showing that following your heart can lead to extraordinary places. Her reverence for New York City, woven into every page, invites readers to fall in love with the city’s magic as much as her characters do.
- Born: May 1, 1973, in Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey
- Key Works: When It Happens, Something Like Fate, City Love trilogy
- Fun Fact: She lives in Gramercy Park, near Carrie Bradshaw’s fictional apartment from Sex and the City!
Ready to dive into a world of summer romance and city adventures? Grab City Love and let Susane Colasanti sweep you into her vibrant, heartfelt universe!