Michael Hornburg (born October 31, 1960)[1] is an American writer and literary agent. He has published two novels: Bongwater (1995) and Downers Grove (1999),[2] both of which have been adapted into feature films. He has also written for the Portland, Oregon publication The Portland Mercury.[3]

Biography

Hornburg was born in Chicago, where he lived on the city's north side until age fourteen before relocating to Downers Grove.[4] He attended Downers Grove South High School, where he graduated in 1978.[4] After graduating high school, Hornburg moved to Portland, Oregon and attended Portland State University.[5] His first novel, Bongwater, published in 1995, was based on his experiences living there, as well as his purported relationship with a then-unknown Courtney Love.[6][7] In 1998, Bongwater was adapted into a film of the same name starring Luke Wilson, Alicia Witt, Brittany Murphy, and Jack Black.[4]

His second book, a coming-of-age horror novel titled Downers Grove, was published in 1999, and reprinted in 2001. The novel received positive critical reception; Robin Henley of The Chicago Tribune wrote: "If the story and setting sound like territory that has been well-trod, that's because it has been, but what makes this novel a welcome addition to the canon of coming-of-age literature is the voice Hornburg has created for Chrissie. Hornburg knows the rhythms of teenage world-weariness, a self-possessed patter that often belies the terror of straddling the worlds of adulthood and childhood."[8] It would also later be adapted into a feature film, titled The Curse of Downers Grove (2015), adapted by Bret Easton Ellis.[9] In a 2015 interview, Hornburg stated he was working on a new book loosely connected to his first novel, Bongwater.[9]

In addition to novels, Hornburg also worked as a writer for The Portland Mercury.[10]

Personal life

He was previously married to writer Darcey Steinke, with whom he has a daughter, born in 1996.[11] Hornburg lives in Brooklyn, New York.[9]

Bibliography

• Bongwater. Grove Press. 1995. ISBN 978-0-802-11510-2.
• Downers Grove. William Morrow and Company. 1999. ISBN 978-0802137937.

References

Notes

References

• Inge, M. Thomas, ed. (2008). The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture: Volume 9: Literature (9 ed.). University of North Carolina Press. ISBN 978-0-807-85875-2.

External links

• Michael Hornburg at Biblio.com
• Michael Hornburg article archive at The Portland Mercury