Erica Bauermeister is the bestselling author of two novels: The School of Essential Ingredients and Joy For Beginners (June, 2011). School of Essential Ingredients was proclaimed ""a remarkable debut," "exquisitely written and heartbreakingly delicious" and is currently being published in 22 countries. She is also the co-author of 500 Great Books by Women: A Reader's Guide and Let's Hear It For the Girls: 375 Great Books for Readers 2-14. She has taught literature and writing at the University of Washington and currently lives in Seattle with her family.