Adam Johnson Reading Order
4 series · 17 books
Adam Johnson crafts literary fiction that spans both intimate short stories and expansive novels, earning major recognition including the Pulitzer Prize for his 2012 novel The Orphan Master's Son and the National Book Award for his 2015 story collection Fortune Smiles. His work demonstrates a keen eye for human complexity and often explores lives shaped by extraordinary circumstances and moral ambiguity. As a creative writing professor at Stanford University, Johnson brings both artistic vision and pedagogical insight to American letters.
Anthologies Series
Likely Complete3 books (2005–2021)
Start with The Creative Writing MFA Handbook and read in order.
Start this series with The Creative Writing MFA Handbook
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Short Story Collections Series
Complete2 books (2002–2015)
Start with Emporium and read in order.
Start this series with Emporium
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Standalone Novels Series
Ongoing3 books (2003–2025)
Start with Parasites Like Us and read in order.
Start this series with Parasites Like Us
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
The Best American: Nonrequired Reading Series
Complete9 books (2011–2019)
Start with The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2011, the first of 9 books in the The Best American: Nonrequired Reading series.
Start this series with The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2011
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Adam Johnson written?
- Adam Johnson has written 17 books across 4 series. Their published works span from 2002 to 2025.
- What is the first book in each Adam Johnson series?
- Here are the first books in Adam Johnson's series: Anthologies: The Creative Writing MFA Handbook; Short Story Collections: Emporium; The Best American: Nonrequired Reading: The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2011.
- What order should I read Adam Johnson's books?
- We recommend reading Adam Johnson's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Adam Johnson still writing new books?
- Yes, Adam Johnson has 1 ongoing series: Standalone Novels.