Yiyun Li is a distinguished Chinese-born author and professor who has made a significant impact in the literary world with her profound storytelling and insightful prose. Born on November 4, 1972, in Beijing, Yiyun Li has crafted a career that spans continents and cultures, bringing to life the complexities of Chinese society and the human condition.

Her acclaimed works include a multitude of short stories and novels that have garnered her numerous accolades. She received the prestigious PEN/Hemingway Award and the Guardian First Book Award for her debut work, A Thousand Years of Good Prayers. She continued to impress with Where Reasons End, a poignant exploration of grief and love, which won the 2020 PEN/Jean Stein Book Award. In 2023, she was honored with the illustrious PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction for her novel The Book of Goose. Beyond her creative works, Yiyun Li has served as an editor for the Brooklyn-based literary magazine A Public Space, contributing her expertise to the literary community.

Yiyun Li's journey in literature is further highlighted by her role as a professor, where she shares her knowledge and passion with aspiring writers, shaping the next generation of literary voices. Her personal story and professional achievements have made her a beacon of inspiration for readers and writers alike.

In addition to her novels, Yiyun Li is also the author of Dear Friend, from My Life I Write to You in Your Life, an evocative essay collection that delves into the intricacies of life and writing. Her body of work reflects her unique perspective and her deep understanding of the human experience.

Yiyun Li's literary prowess has been recognized with several fellowships, including the MacArthur Fellowship, Guggenheim Fellowship, and Windham-Campbell Prize, cementing her status as a leading voice in contemporary literature. She currently teaches at Princeton University, nurturing the creative talents of her students.