Memoirist & Essayist on Trauma, Food Culture & Gender; Author of "After the Eclipse"; Creative Writing Faculty at Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Sarah Perry Biography

Sarah Perry is a memoirist and essayist whose work examines themes such as love, food culture, body image, trauma, gender-based violence, and queerness. Perry explores the power dynamics that shape these issues, offering a critical perspective on emotionally complex topics in contemporary nonfiction. She holds an MFA in nonfiction from Columbia University and teaches in the graduate program in creative writing at Colorado State University.

Perry's debut memoir, "After the Eclipse: A Mother's Murder, a Daughter's Search," established her as a significant voice in American nonfiction. At age 12, Perry witnessed a partial eclipse of the sun, which she interpreted as a sign of good fortune for herself and her mother, Crystal. Two days later, Crystal was murdered in their home in rural Maine, near Perry's bedroom. In the aftermath, Perry rebuilt her life amid abandonment, police interrogations, and the challenges of trauma. Seeking understanding, she conducted her own investigation into her mother's life, returning to Maine and delving into police files and family interviews. Through this process, Perry portrayed her mother with nuance, revealing both strengths and flaws shaped by her own upbringing.

"After the Eclipse" was named a New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice, a Poets & Writers Notable Nonfiction Debut, and a Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers pick. The book received critical recognition for its blend of rigorous research and personal narrative. Perry is the recipient of the Betty Berzon Emerging Writer Award and a fellowship from the Edward F. Albee Foundation.

Perry's second book, "Sweet Nothings: Confessions of a Candy Lover," published by Mariner/HarperCollins, demonstrates her range as a nonfiction writer. This collection of 100 illustrated micro-essays, organized by candy color, explores pop culture, art, culinary history, philosophy, body image, and class-based food moralism. "Sweet Nothings" challenges the concept of "junk food" and considers the importance of pleasure in daily life. The book was named a Best Book of the Year by Scientific American. Perry was also a finalist for the James Beard Awards' MFK Fisher Distinguished Writing Award for her essay "In Praise of the Gas Station Pie," published in Cake Zine.

Perry teaches workshops, craft seminars, and literature courses in undergraduate and graduate programs, with subspecialties in researched memoir, flash essay, writing sexuality, and true crime. She is the author of "The Book of Regrets," a follow-up to her debut memoir. Perry's work is recognized for its intellectual rigor and emotional honesty, resonating with readers interested in memoir, food writing, trauma, and gender studies.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/27/2026.

Sarah Perry Videos

Sarah Perry on What Death Can Teach Us About Living

Sarah Perry on What Death Can Teach Us About Living

Today I am joined by Sarah Perry, award-winning author of The Essex Serpent, Melmoth and, most recently, The Death of an Ordinary Man. Sarah speaks...

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  • What topics does Sarah Perry speak about?

    Sarah Perry is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Diversity & Inclusion, Empowerment, LGBTQ, Non-Fiction Authors, Personal Growth, Sexual Assault Recovery, Social Activism, Storytelling
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Sarah Perry is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Sarah Perry for your event is available upon request. Sarah Perry generally travels from Fort Collins, CO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are André Aciman, Robert Kingett, Graci Harkema, Samy Nemir Olivares and Aurielle Marie. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Sarah Perry for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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