Picture a Brooklyn-born storyteller who swapped wedding planning for weaving tales of identity and resilience—meet Xóchitl González! Pronounced 'So-Cheel,' this New York Times bestselling author burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, Olga Dies Dreaming, a vibrant exploration of Puerto Rican heritage, family secrets, and the American dream. With her sharp wit and cultural commentary, González has become a powerful voice in contemporary fiction.
From her roots in New York City to her role as a staff writer at The Atlantic, González’s journey is as compelling as her stories. Her work, infused with humor and heart, captures the complexities of Latinx life, making her a must-read for anyone craving authentic, thought-provoking narratives.
The Making of Xóchitl González
Born in 1977 to a Puerto Rican mother and Mexican-American father, Xóchitl González grew up in Brooklyn, raised by her grandparents in a working-class neighborhood. Her parents, activists in the Socialist Workers Party, were often absent, leaving González to navigate her identity as a first-generation Puerto Rican-American. A proud graduate of Edward R. Murrow High School, she earned a scholarship to Brown University, where she studied art history instead of her initial passion, creative writing. After years as an entrepreneur and wedding planner for New York’s elite, González pursued her long-held dream of writing, earning an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop in 2021 at age 43.
Xóchitl González’s Unforgettable Stories
González’s debut novel, Olga Dies Dreaming (2022), is a love letter to Brooklyn and Puerto Rico, blending humor, political commentary, and family drama. The story follows Olga, a wedding planner, and her congressman brother, Prieto, as they grapple with their mother’s revolutionary past and the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Praised by The New York Times and NPR, it won the Brooklyn Public Library Book Prize and inspired a Hulu series, which González is co-producing.
Her second novel, Anita de Monte Laughs Last (2024), is a Reese’s Book Club pick that dives into the art world, exploring ambition, race, and forgotten legacies. This gripping tale of a Latina artist’s rediscovery showcases González’s knack for layered characters and social critique. Her nonfiction, including the newsletter 'Brooklyn, Everywhere' for The Atlantic, tackles gentrification and class, earning her a 2023 Pulitzer Prize finalist nod for commentary. González’s style—vivid, witty, and deeply personal—brings Latinx experiences to life with universal appeal.
Why Xóchitl González Matters
Xóchitl González’s work resonates because it bridges personal and political, inviting readers to see the world through a Latinx lens. Her stories challenge stereotypes, celebrate resilience, and spotlight Puerto Rican culture in mainstream literature. As a trustee at Brown University and a board member of the Lower East Side Girls Club, she champions education and community, amplifying marginalized voices. González’s rise from wedding planner to literary star inspires aspiring writers, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream.
- About Xóchitl González
- Born: 1977 in New York City
- Key Works: Olga Dies Dreaming, Anita de Monte Laughs Last
- Awards: 2023 Pulitzer Prize finalist for Commentary, Brooklyn Public Library Book Prize
- Fun Fact: Lives in Brooklyn with her dog, Hectah Lavoe
Ready to dive into Xóchitl González’s vibrant world? Grab Olga Dies Dreaming and get swept away by her bold, heartfelt storytelling!