A

Aimee Bender

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 30 Books

4
Series
30
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Anthologies
Start with: On the Rocks: The KGB Bar Fiction Anthology (2002)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: The Third Elevator (2007)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Collections
Start with: The Girl in the Flammable Skirt (1998)

About Aimee Bender

Aimee Bender is an American literary fiction author from Los Angeles whose works have been anthologized and translated into more than ten languages. It was in 1998 that she published “The Girl in the Flammable Skirt” which would go on to become a Notable Book in the New York Times. “An Invisible Sign of My Own,” which was her first novel was a critically acclaimed work that she published in the year 2000. While “Willful Creatures” her collection of short stories was highly praised for its surrealistic plots and characters, she would come into her own with the publishing of “The Particular Sadness of Lemon.” It was at Irvine where she studied with Geoffrey Wolff and Judith Grossman who became friends that encouraged her to pursue a career as an author. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Anthologies series, Aimee Bender has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Aimee Bender

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
3 books 2000–2020
1

An Invisible Sign of My Own

An Invisible Sign of My Own is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Aimee Bender have come to expect.

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2000
2

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, another outstanding contribution from Aimee Bender.

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2010
3

The Butterfly Lampshade

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Butterfly Lampshade, another outstanding contribution from Aimee Bender.

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2020
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
4 books 2007–2015
1

The Third Elevator

The Third Elevator continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Aimee Bender's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
2

Faces

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Faces, another outstanding contribution from Aimee Bender.

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2009
3

The Doctor and the Rabbi

The Doctor and the Rabbi continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Aimee Bender's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
4

Dreaming in Polish

Dreaming in Polish is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Aimee Bender have come to expect.

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2015
Publication Order of Collections
3 books 1998–2013
1

The Girl in the Flammable Skirt

The Girl in the Flammable Skirt continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Aimee Bender's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1998
2

Willful Creatures

Willful Creatures continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Aimee Bender's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2005
3

The Color Master

The Color Master continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Aimee Bender's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
Publication Order of Anthologies
20 books 2002–2021
1

On the Rocks: The KGB Bar Fiction Anthology

On the Rocks: The KGB Bar Fiction Anthology continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Aimee Bender's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2002
2

The Future Dictionary of America

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Future Dictionary of America, another outstanding contribution from Aimee Bender.

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2004
3

The Anchor Book of New American Short Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Anchor Book of New American Short Stories, another outstanding contribution from Aimee Bender.

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2004
4

The Secret Society of Demolition Writers

The Secret Society of Demolition Writers continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Aimee Bender's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2005
5

The Insomniac Reader

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Insomniac Reader, another outstanding contribution from Aimee Bender.

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2005
6

Awake!

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Awake!, another outstanding contribution from Aimee Bender.

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2007
7

Tin House

Tin House is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Aimee Bender have come to expect.

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2007
8

Sideshow: Ten Original Tales of Freaks, Illusionists and Other Matters Odd and Magical

Magic takes center stage in Sideshow: Ten Original Tales of Freaks, Illusionists and Other Matters Odd and Magical, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Anthologies series that expands the enchanting world created by Aimee Bender.

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2009
9

My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me

A gripping mystery unfolds in My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Aimee Bender's mastery of suspense.

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2010
10

Unstuck #1

Unstuck #1 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Aimee Bender have come to expect.

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2011
11

The Best Bizarro Fiction of the Decade

The Best Bizarro Fiction of the Decade continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Aimee Bender's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
12

Monsters of Literary Sightings

Monsters of Literary Sightings is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Aimee Bender have come to expect.

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2012
13

My First Novel

My First Novel continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Aimee Bender's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
14

Selected Shorts: Behaving Badly

Selected Shorts: Behaving Badly is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Aimee Bender have come to expect.

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2013
15

xo Orpheus

xo Orpheus is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Aimee Bender have come to expect.

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2013
16

Unscrolled

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Unscrolled, another outstanding contribution from Aimee Bender.

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2013
17

Now Write! Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Now Write! Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror, another outstanding contribution from Aimee Bender.

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2014
18

Choose Wisely: 35 Women Up To No Good

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Choose Wisely: 35 Women Up To No Good, another outstanding contribution from Aimee Bender.

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2015
19

Watchlist

Watchlist continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Aimee Bender's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
20

Ploughshares Summer 2021

Ploughshares Summer 2021 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Aimee Bender have come to expect.

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2021

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Aimee Bender?

Aimee Bender is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 30 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas, Publication Order of Collections. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Aimee Bender series to start with?

For readers new to Aimee Bender's work, the Publication Order of Anthologies series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 20 books. Begin with On the Rocks: The KGB Bar Fiction Anthology to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Aimee Bender written?

Aimee Bender has written over 30 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Aimee Bender books in order?

Yes, reading Aimee Bender's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Aimee Bender write in?

Aimee Bender writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 30 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Aimee Bender's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Aimee Bender's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Aimee Bender's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Aimee Bender's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Anthologies series. The first book, On the Rocks: The KGB Bar Fiction Anthology, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.