Ruth Ozeki

Ruth Diana Lounsbury, known professionally as Ruth Ozeki, was born on March 12, 1956. An accomplished American author, filmmaker, and Zen Buddhist priest, Ozeki has made significant contributions to literature and film. Her works often blend personal narrative with pressing social issues, exploring themes such as science, technology, environmental politics, race, religion, war, and global popular culture.

Among her notable novels are 'My Year of Meats' (1998), 'All Over Creation' (2003), 'A Tale for the Time Being' (2013), and 'The Book of Form and Emptiness' (2021). These works have resonated with readers worldwide, leading to translations into more than thirty languages, showcasing her global appeal and the universal relevance of her themes.

In addition to her writing, Ozeki is a dedicated educator, currently serving as the Grace Jarcho Ross 1933 Professor of Humanities in the Department of English Language and Literature at Smith College. Her role as a university teacher allows her to inspire and mentor the next generation of writers, further extending her impact on the literary world.