Susan Orlean, a renowned American journalist, entered the world on October 31, 1955, marking the beginning of a remarkable career that would span decades. Her professional journey has been marked by a long-standing affiliation with The New Yorker, a prestigious publication she has had the privilege of calling home since 1992. In addition to her work with The New Yorker, Orlean has also contributed her expertise to a diverse range of publications, including the esteemed Vogue, the iconic Rolling Stone, the influential Esquire, and the adventurous Outside.
Susan Orlean is a renowned author, whose impressive literary portfolio boasts a diverse range of books, with The Orchid Thief being a notable example. This captivating book served as the inspiration for Charlie Kaufman's screenplay for the thought-provoking film Adaptation, directed by the acclaimed Spike Jonze.
The Orchid Thief narrative revolves around the intriguing life of John Laroche, a multifaceted individual who was not only a skilled orchid grower, but also a passionate breeder and collector. His extraordinary exploits in the world of orchid cultivation are brought to life through Orlean's masterful storytelling.
In the film adaptation, the talented Meryl Streep took on the role of Orlean, delivering a performance that earned her an Oscar nomination for her outstanding portrayal.
Noteworthy among her written works is the influential article "Life's Swell", which was published in the esteemed Outside magazine. This article, which has garnered significant attention, served as the inspiration for the film Blue Crush. The article's focus centred around a group of young, talented surfer girls who were residing in the picturesque location of Maui.
Notably, Susan Sistrom, Orlean's married name, is also credited as a co-author of the book "The Skinny: What Every Skinny Woman Knows About Dieting (And Won't Tell You!)", in addition to her well-established careers as a journalist and author.
Susan Orlean, a renowned author and journalist, has also taken on the role of compiler, expertly curating two collections of her magazine stories. These publications, titled "The Bullfighter Checks Her Makeup: My Encounters with Extraordinary People" and "My Kind of Place: Travel Stories from a Woman Who's Been Everywhere", showcase her remarkable ability to craft engaging narratives that captivate readers.
Furthermore, Orlean has demonstrated her editorial prowess by serving as an editor for prestigious publications. Specifically, she has lent her expertise to the esteemed "Best American Essays 2005" and "Best American Travel Writing 2007", ensuring that these anthologies feature only the most outstanding works in their respective genres.
Her impressive portfolio, which spans both writing and editing, is a testament to her dedication to her craft and her ability to excel in a variety of roles within the literary world.
As of now, Susan Orlean is devoting her attention to penning a comprehensive, meticulously researched biography that delves into the fascinating life story of Rin Tin Tin, the renowned canine film star.
Sandra Orlean, a renowned American author, journalist, and historian, first took her first breath in the vibrant city of Cleveland, Ohio. Her academic pursuits led her to the prestigious University of Michigan, where she earned her degree.
Upon entering the professional realm, Orlean kick-started her career as a staff writer for the esteemed weekly publication, Willamette Week, based in Portland, Oregon. This marked the beginning of her remarkable journey as a journalist.
As her reputation grew, she started publishing her work in some of the most respected and widely read publications in the industry. Her articles appeared in Rolling Stone, a leading music and culture magazine; Esquire, a prominent men's lifestyle magazine; Vogue, a world-renowned fashion and lifestyle publication; Outside, a leading outdoor enthusiast magazine; and Spy, a now-defunct satirical magazine.
This impressive list of publications not only showcases Orlean's versatility as a writer but also her ability to adapt her style to suit various formats and audiences. Her remarkable writing career has spanned decades, and she continues to captivate readers with her engaging stories and unique perspective.
In the year 1982, a significant life event occurred, as she made the bold decision to relocate to the esteemed city of Boston, where she secured a position as a staff writer for the renowned Boston Phoenix publication. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her professional journey, which would eventually lead her to become a regular contributor to the prestigious Boston Globe Sunday Magazine.
Not long after her arrival in New York, she published her debut book, Saturday Night, in the year 1990. This literary accomplishment was a testament to her burgeoning talent as a writer, and it was a fitting precursor to her subsequent association with the iconic The New Yorker magazine, where she would go on to make a lasting impact as a contributor.
Notably, Susan Orlean's career trajectory took a significant turn in 1992, when she joined the esteemed ranks of New Yorker staff writers, solidifying her reputation as a skilled and dedicated journalist. Additionally, her impressive credentials were further bolstered in 2003, when she was selected as a Nieman Fellow at the prestigious Harvard University, a distinction that reflects her outstanding contributions to the world of literature and journalism.
