Jonathan Franzen - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | August 17, 1959 |
|---|---|
| Age | 66 |
| Birthplace | Western Springs, Illinois, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo - (see also Jonathan Franzen's horoscope and birth chart) |
| Chinese Zodiac | Pig |
| Generation | Baby Boomer Generation |
| Known For | Novels such as 'The Corrections', 'Freedom', and 'Purity'; essays and contributions to The New Yorker. |
Intro
Jonathan Franzen is an acclaimed American novelist and essayist known for his critical insights into contemporary society. He gained international fame with his 2001 novel 'The Corrections,' which earned numerous literary awards and sparked significant cultural discussion.
Early Life & Background
Jonathan Franzen was born in Western Springs, Illinois, and grew up in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Swarthmore College, where he studied German. His early interest in literature and his experiences in the Midwest significantly influenced his writing.
Career Highlights
- Published acclaimed debut novel 'The Twenty-Seventh City' in 1988.
- Achieved major fame with the publication and critical success of 'The Corrections' (2001), which won the National Book Award for Fiction.
- Published 'Freedom' (2010), which was selected for Oprah's Book Club and received widespread critical acclaim.
- Known for his essays in The New Yorker and his outspoken views on contemporary literature and technology.
- Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for both 'The Corrections' (2002) and 'Freedom' (2011).
Trivia
- Franzen's refusal to attend the Oprah Winfrey Book Club event in 2001 led to significant public debate about literary culture.
- He is a passionate birdwatcher and often incorporates environmental themes into his essays.
- Franzen has been a frequent contributor to The New Yorker.
FAQs
People also ask
Jonathan Franzen is 66 years old.
Jonathan Franzen was born the 17 August 1959.
Western Springs, Illinois, United States.
On His Birth-Day
About August 17th, 1959, in brief:
- Historical events: The Hebgen Lake earthquake struck near West Yellowstone, Montana, on August 17, 1959. It registered a magnitude of 7.5 and caused significant damage, including landslides and the formation of a new lake. The disaster resulted in 28 fatalities and is one of the most powerful earthquakes in U.S. history.
- Day of the week: August 17th, 1959 was a Monday
- Zodiac Sign: Leo (in western zodiac), Pig (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase:
- #1 US song: A Big Hunk O' Love by Elvis Presley
- #1 UK song: Living Doll by Cliff Richard & The Drifters
- Popular movie: Some Like It Hot directed by Billy Wilder
Check the link for more news and curiosities on August 17th, 1959.