A gifted and haunting storyteller with his finger on the pulse of modern consciousness, National Book Award finalist and bestselling author Dan Chaon spellbinds his audiences—readers and critics alike—from universities and colleges, to Community and One Book festivals and literary events across the country. His best known short story collection, "Among the Missing," was nominated for the National Book Award, while his subsequent novels, "You Remind Me of Me and Await Your Reply," have been honored on best-of-the-year lists nationwide. His fiction has appeared in such prestigious journals and anthologies as the Best American Short Stories, The Pushcart Prize, and The O. Henry Prize Stories. His most recent collection of short stories, "Stay Awake," is a finalist for the 2012 Story Prize.

"In Stay Awake," Chaon delves deep into the lives of scattered families, unfulfilled dreamers, and anxious souls. In these haunting, suspenseful stories lost, fragile, searching characters wander between ordinary life and a psychological shadowland. They have experienced intense love or loss, grief or loneliness, displacement or disconnection—and find themselves in unexpected, dire, sometimes humorous, and sometimes unfathomable situations. The result is a collection of stories that showcase Chaon’s illuminating literary talents and his unique ability to explore the depths of human complexity.

As the Pauline M. Delaney Professor of Creative Writing at Oberlin College, Dan is an insightful and engaging speaker. His discussions range from the subjects explored in his body of work to his unique approach to the craft of writing.