Joan Bauer is a renowned American novelist born on July 12, 1951. She was born in River Forest, Illinois, at eleven A.M., a time her mother often described as very reasonable. On her first introduction to her mother, she had a case of the hiccups and no discernible forehead, which has since grown in.

Joan grew up in the 1950s with a great fascination for comedy and humor, believing those who could make others laugh were incredibly fortunate. Despite her peers planning careers as doctors, nurses, and lawyers, Joan knew she wanted to pursue a path in comedy and humor.