Dave Eggers is a renowned American author, editor, and philanthropist known for his innovative storytelling and dedication to social causes. Born in 1970 in Boston, Massachusetts, Eggers rose to prominence with his 2000 memoir, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction. The memoir candidly chronicles the tragic deaths of his parents and his experience raising his younger brother.
Eggers studied journalism at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign before moving to Berkeley, California, where he began his writing career. He is the founder of McSweeney’s, an influential independent publishing company based in San Francisco, known for its literary journal and books that often highlight innovative voices in contemporary literature.
Throughout his career, Eggers has authored numerous acclaimed works, including You Shall Know Our Velocity (2002), What Is the What (2006), Zeitoun (2009), A Hologram for the King (2012), The Circle (2013), The Monk of Mokha (2018), and The Parade (2019). His writing often explores themes of identity, social justice, and the human condition.
In 2024, Eggers published The Eyes and the Impossible, a children’s novel that won the prestigious John Newbery Medal, awarded annually for outstanding contributions to American children’s literature. A sequel, The Eyes, The Fire, & The Avalanche Kingdom, is scheduled for release in late 2025.
Beyond writing, Eggers is deeply committed to activism and education. He co-founded 826 Valencia, a youth writing and tutoring center that has inspired a network of similar organizations globally. He also launched Voice of Witness, a nonprofit oral history series spotlighting human rights issues worldwide, and ScholarMatch, which connects donors with students seeking college tuition support.
Eggers lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, novelist Vendela Vida, and their two children. His blend of literary innovation and social engagement has made him a leading figure in contemporary American letters.
