William Timothy O'Brien, known as Tim O'Brien, is an eminent American novelist, celebrated for his poignant narratives that draw heavily on his experiences in the Vietnam War. Among his most renowned works is The Things They Carried (1990), a compelling collection of linked semi-autobiographical stories that delve into the complexities of war and its aftermath. This critically acclaimed book has been lauded as a Vietnam classic by the New York Times.

In addition to The Things They Carried, O'Brien's novel Going After Cacciato (1978) explores wartime Vietnam, while his subsequent works, including In the Lake of the Woods (1994), focus on the postwar lives of veterans. O'Brien's literary contributions extend beyond his novels; his insights into the human condition and the impacts of war have established him as a significant figure in American literature.

O'Brien has also contributed to the academic community, having held the endowed chair at the MFA program of Texas State University–San Marcos every other academic year since the 2003-2004 period. His dedication to nurturing new literary talent underscores his commitment to the field of literature.