Picture a Korean-American storyteller who swapped comedy stages for bestseller lists, weaving humor and heart into tales that captivate—meet Suzanne Park! From her riotous debut The Perfect Escape to her sharp workplace rom-coms, Park’s stories blend multicultural charm with laugh-out-loud moments, making her a standout in contemporary romance and young adult fiction.
Born and raised in Tennessee, Park’s unique perspective as a second-generation Korean-American infuses her work with authenticity and warmth. Her journey from stand-up comedy to crafting novels is as vibrant as her characters, proving that a good story can come from anywhere—even a zombie-themed escape room!
The Making of Suzanne Park
Suzanne Park grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, where her love for reading was sparked despite limited library resources. As a Korean-American in a predominantly white community, she faced challenges that later shaped her authentic #OwnVoices narratives. Park graduated from Columbia University and earned an MBA from UCLA, but her creative spark led her to stand-up comedy. She performed on BET’s Coming to the Stage, won the Seattle Sierra Mist Comedy Competition, and was a semi-finalist in NBC’s Stand Up for Diversity. This comedic foundation honed her knack for witty dialogue and relatable characters, paving the way for her pivot to writing.
Suzanne Park’s Unforgettable Stories
Park burst onto the literary scene in 2020 with two #OwnVoices debuts: The Perfect Escape, a young adult rom-com about teens navigating a zombie escape room and a survivalist competition, and Loathe at First Sight, an adult romance tackling sexism in the video game industry. Critics praised The Perfect Escape for its humor and exploration of class and identity, while Loathe at First Sight was lauded for its fierce heroine, Melody Joo, and sharp social commentary.
Her 2021 novel So We Meet Again follows Jessie Kim, an investment banker who quits her toxic job and rediscovers her roots in Tennessee, blending Korean culture with a heartwarming romance. Sunny Song Will Never Be Famous, another 2021 release, hilariously tracks a Korean-American teen at a digital detox camp. Park’s style—witty, heartfelt, and culturally rich—tackles themes like microaggressions, family dynamics, and self-discovery, earning praise from authors like Emily Henry and Helen Hoang.
In 2023, The Do-Over charmed readers with its tale of a woman facing career setbacks and past loves, while 2024’s One Last Word explored grief and connection through an app that sends posthumous messages. Park’s ability to balance comedy with poignant social issues makes her work both entertaining and impactful.
Why Suzanne Park Matters
Suzanne Park’s stories resonate because they amplify underrepresented voices, particularly Korean-American experiences, in mainstream fiction. Her #OwnVoices narratives tackle racism, sexism, and privilege with humor and empathy, offering readers both escapism and reflection. By drawing on her comedic roots and corporate experiences, Park crafts characters who feel like friends, inspiring readers to embrace their identities and chase their dreams. Her growing fanbase and critical acclaim signal a lasting influence in romance and YA genres.
- Born: Nashville, Tennessee
- Key Works: The Perfect Escape (2020), Loathe at First Sight (2020), So We Meet Again (2021), Sunny Song Will Never Be Famous (2021), The Do-Over (2023), One Last Word (2024)
- Notable Achievements: Junior Library Guild Selection for The Perfect Escape, praise from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews
Ready to laugh, love, and cheer for unforgettable characters? Snag The Perfect Escape or So We Meet Again and dive into Suzanne Park’s vibrant world of rom-com brilliance!