Jonathan Allen Lethem, born on February 19, 1964, is an acclaimed American novelist, essayist, and short story writer. He burst onto the literary scene with his first novel, Gun, with Occasional Music, in 1994. This genre-defying work blended elements of science fiction and detective fiction, showcasing Lethem's innovative narrative style and setting the tone for his future works.

In 1999, Lethem published Motherless Brooklyn, a novel that won the National Book Critics Circle Award and achieved mainstream success. The novel's unique voice and compelling narrative solidified Lethem's place in contemporary literature. Following this, in 2003, he released The Fortress of Solitude, which quickly became a New York Times Best Seller. His contribution to literature was further recognized in 2005 when he received a MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as a "genius grant."

Besides his prolific writing career, Lethem has been a dedicated educator, teaching creative writing at Pomona College since 2011. His work continues to inspire and influence a wide audience, spanning genres and exploring the complexities of the human condition.