S

Susan Orlean

Bestselling Author • 8 Series • 22 Books

8
Series
22
Books
8
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: You Are Ready For Takeoff: A Short Trip (2021)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Children's Books
Start with: Lazy Little Loafers (2008)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Susan Orlean Gardening Books
Start with: The Orchid Thief (1998)

About Susan Orlean

About Susan Orlean A highly regarded American writer of modern fiction, the novelist Susan Orlean has made a strong name for herself throughout the literary industry. Knowing and understanding her craft on an extremely fundamental level, she really gets a feel for her subject matter both inside and out. This has allowed her to write some of the most compelling fiction and non-fiction to date, combining the two to thrilling effect. Clearly having a voice and something to say, she is articulate and erudite in equal measure, keeping the reader enthralled and engaged throughout. Whether she’s writing for magazines, or publishing her own books, she really manages to create something that is entirely her own, standing apart from the rest. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, Susan Orlean 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 Susan Orlean

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
1 books 2021–2021
1

You Are Ready For Takeoff: A Short Trip

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with You Are Ready For Takeoff: A Short Trip, another outstanding contribution from Susan Orlean.

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2021
Publication Order of Children's Books
1 books 2008–2008
1

Lazy Little Loafers

Lazy Little Loafers is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Children's Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Susan Orlean have come to expect.

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2008
Publication Order of Susan Orlean Gardening Books
2 books 1998–2016
1

The Orchid Thief

The Orchid Thief continues the Publication Order of Susan Orlean Gardening Books story arc with Susan Orlean's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1998
2

The Floral Ghost

The Floral Ghost is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Susan Orlean Gardening Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Susan Orlean have come to expect.

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2016
Publication Order of Susan Orlean Animal Books
3 books 2011–2021
1

Animalish

Animalish is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Susan Orlean Animal Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Susan Orlean have come to expect.

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2011
2

Rin Tin Tin

Rin Tin Tin is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Susan Orlean Animal Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Susan Orlean have come to expect.

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2011
3

On Animals

On Animals continues the Publication Order of Susan Orlean Animal Books story arc with Susan Orlean's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2021
Publication Order of History Books
3 books 1987–1992
1

Red Sox and Bluefish and Other Things That Make New England New England

Red Sox and Bluefish and Other Things That Make New England New England is an essential installment in the Publication Order of History Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Susan Orlean have come to expect.

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1987
2

Saturday Night

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of History Books with Saturday Night, another outstanding contribution from Susan Orlean.

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1990
3

The American Man at Age 10

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of History Books with The American Man at Age 10, another outstanding contribution from Susan Orlean.

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1992
Publication Order of Library Science Books
1 books 2018–2018
1

The Library Book

The Library Book continues the Publication Order of Library Science Books story arc with Susan Orlean's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
Publication Order of Susan Orlean Biographies Books
4 books 2001–2025
1

The Bullfighter Checks Her Makeup: My Encounters with Extraordinary People

Conflict and courage define The Bullfighter Checks Her Makeup: My Encounters with Extraordinary People, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Susan Orlean Biographies Books series by Susan Orlean that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2001
2

My Kind of Place: Travel Stories from a Woman Who's Been Everywhere

My Kind of Place: Travel Stories from a Woman Who's Been Everywhere is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Susan Orlean Biographies Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Susan Orlean have come to expect.

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2004
3

A Gentle Reign

A Gentle Reign is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Susan Orlean Biographies Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Susan Orlean have come to expect.

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2016
4

Joyride

Joyride continues the Publication Order of Susan Orlean Biographies Books story arc with Susan Orlean's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2025
Publication Order of Anthologies
7 books 2000–2014
1

Life Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Life Stories, another outstanding contribution from Susan Orlean.

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2000
2

The Best American Magazine Writing 2004

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Best American Magazine Writing 2004, another outstanding contribution from Susan Orlean.

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2004
3

The Best American Essays 2005

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Best American Essays 2005, another outstanding contribution from Susan Orlean.

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2005
4

Secret Ingredients

Secret Ingredients is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Susan Orlean have come to expect.

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2007
5

All That Glitters

All That Glitters continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Susan Orlean's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
6

Cornbread Nation 7: The Best of Southern Food Writing

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Cornbread Nation 7: The Best of Southern Food Writing, another outstanding contribution from Susan Orlean.

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2014
7

Never Can Say Goodbye: Writers on Their Unshakable Love for New York

Never Can Say Goodbye: Writers on Their Unshakable Love for New York explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Susan Orlean.

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2014

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Susan Orlean?

Susan Orlean is a bestselling author known for 8 book series containing over 22 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas, Publication Order of Children's Books, Publication Order of Susan Orlean Gardening Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Susan Orlean series to start with?

For readers new to Susan Orlean's work, the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 1 books. Begin with You Are Ready For Takeoff: A Short Trip to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Susan Orlean written?

Susan Orlean has written over 22 books across 8 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Susan Orlean books in order?

Yes, reading Susan Orlean'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 Susan Orlean write in?

Susan Orlean writes primarily in fiction. With 8 series across 22 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Susan Orlean's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Susan Orlean'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 Susan Orlean's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Susan Orlean's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series. The first book, You Are Ready For Takeoff: A Short Trip, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.