Bonnie Jo Campbell is an American author known for her gritty and vivid portrayal of rural working-class characters. Born on September 14, 1962, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, she has received critical acclaim for her exploration of themes such as poverty, survival, and the struggles of women. Campbell's works often draw from her own experiences growing up in Michigan, and her writing is marked by its rich detail and emotional depth. She has written short story collections, such as "American Salvage," which was a finalist for both the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award, and "Mothers, Tell Your Daughters." Her novel "Once Upon a River" is perhaps her best-known work, telling the story of a young woman's quest for survival and identity along Michigan's rivers and has earned her comparisons to authors like Mark Twain for its themes of adventure and maturation. With a Master of Fine Arts degree in writing from Western Michigan University and a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of Chicago, Campbell has not only made her mark in literature but also teaches writing. She continues to be a prominent voice in contemporary American fiction, especially in the Midwest setting.