About the Author

Percival Everett is a Distinguished Professor of English at the University of Southern California (USC). He is known for his significant contributions to literature, having authored several acclaimed novels. His most recent works include *Dr. No*, which garnered attention as a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) Award for Fiction and won the prestigious PEN/Jean Stein Book Award. Additionally, his novel *The Trees* was recognized as a finalist for both the Booker Prize and the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction. Everett’s literary prowess is further exemplified with *Telephone*, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, alongside other noteworthy titles like *So Much Blue*, *Erasure*, and *I Am Not Sidney Poitier*.

Everett’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed; he has been honored with the NBCC Ivan Sandrof Life Achievement Award and the Windham-Campbell Prize from Yale University, both testaments to his influential role in the literary world. Furthermore, the feature film *American Fiction*, adapted from his novel *Erasure*, was released in 2023, showcasing the impactful narratives he creates.

Residing in Los Angeles, Everett shares his life with his wife, the writer Danzy Senna, and their children. His position at USC allows him to nurture the next generation of writers, while his own literary output continues to receive critical and public acclaim. Through his works, he has managed to blur the lines between different genres, often tackling complex themes that resonate with contemporary society. As a figure in the academic and artistic communities, Everett’s voice remains vital and influential, making significant strides in American literature while continuing to engage with pressing societal issues.