Let's make this birthday one to remember.

54 years old (Born on October 03, 1970)

Happy birthday to Sara Zarr, whose brilliant storytelling makes teenage awkwardness feel effortlessly cool—even when we know it's totally not. You gave us "Story of a Girl," and in doing so proved that being a finalist for the National Book Award is basically literary royalty status (we secretly hope you have crowns hidden away).

Here's celebrating your gift for capturing life’s messy moments with humor and heart—whether you're writing essays or novels—that stay forever relatable. Keep inspiring readers everywhere; may this year bring laughter as warm—and plots as twisty—as ever! Cheers to many more great chapters ahead!