Karen E. Bender
5 SeriesKaren E. Bender is an American author known for her women’s fiction novels. Her short story collection, "Refund," was a finalist for the National Book Award in Fiction, and was also shortlisted for the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Prize and longlisted for the Story Prize. Bender has lived in Los Angeles, New York City, and Iowa City, where she attended the Iowa Writer’s Workshop.
"Like Normal People" by Karen E. Bender is a Los Angeles Times bestseller that follows 48-year-old Lena, who remains mentally trapped in her childhood. The novel centers on Lena's escape from her residential home alongside her troubled 12-year-old niece. As they flee, Lena's widowed mother searches for them. The narrative weaves through past and present, spanning three lifetimes within a single day. Each character seeks love and acceptance in a world where normalcy is elusive.
