Lesley Nneka Arimah

Lesley Nneka Arimah is a critically acclaimed author of fiction, currently residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has gained significant recognition as one of the top rising authors in the literary world. Born in the United Kingdom, Arimah spent her childhood traveling around the world, as her father's job required the family to move frequently. This global upbringing has undoubtedly influenced her writing, providing her with a unique perspective that is reflected in her work.

Arimah's work has been recognized with numerous grants and awards, including those from Commonwealth Writers, AWP, the Elizabeth George Foundation, and the Jerome Foundation. These accolades are a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft. Her stories have appeared in various publications, including The New Yorker, Harper's, and The Atlantic. Her debut collection of short stories, "What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky," was published in 2017 to widespread critical acclaim. The collection went on to win the prestigious Kirkus Prize and the New York Public Library Young Lions Fiction Award.

In addition to her written work, Arimah has also been recognized for her teaching abilities. She has been a Writer-in-Residence at St. Catherine University and a Distinguished Visiting Writer at the University of Iowa. These teaching positions have allowed her to share her knowledge and passion for writing with a new generation of aspiring authors.

Overall, Lesley Nneka Arimah is a highly talented and accomplished author, whose work has been celebrated for its unique perspective and literary excellence. Her numerous awards and recognitions are a testament to her skill and dedication to her craft. As she continues to write and teach, there is no doubt that she will continue to make significant contributions to the world of literature.
Collections
# Title Year
1 What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky 2015
The Best American: Nonrequired Reading Books
# Title Year
1 The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2011 2011
2 The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2012 2011
3 The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2013 2013
4 The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2014 2014
5 The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2015 2015
6 The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2016 2016
7 The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2017 2017
8 The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2018 2018
9 The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2019 2019
Lesley Nneka Arimah Anthologies
# Title Year
1 The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2011 2011
2 The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2015 2015
3 The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2012 2011
4 The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2013 2013
5 The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2014 2014
6 Pen America Best Debut Short Stories 2018 2018
7 Twenty Years of the Caine Prize for African Writing 2019
8 Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror 2023