David Guterson

David Guterson was born May 4, 1956. He grew up in Seattle, Washington, and later earned a degree in English literature as well as an MFA in creative writing from the University of Washington. He began his career as a writer publishing short stories and essays, and he taught high school before he was able to support himself with his writing. Guterson wrote Snow Falling On Cedars, his best-known work, over the course of 10 years before the school workday began, during the early morning hours. Snow Falling on Cedars earned him the 1995 PEN/Faulkner award, and it was made into a film in 1999. Guterson’s published works since Snow Falling on Cedars include East of the Mountains (1999), Our Lady of the Forest (2003), The Other (2008), and Ed King (2011). Today, he lives on Bainbridge Island with his family.