Ron Hansen is an acclaimed American novelist, born on December 8, 1947. He is the author of two story collections, two volumes of essays, and nine novels. Some of his well-known works include The Kid and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, which was adapted into an Oscar-nominated film. His novel Atticus was a finalist for the National Book Award. In addition to his writing career, Ron Hansen teaches at Santa Clara University.