Miranda July Books
The First Bad Man – 2015
Cheryl, a lonely woman, navigates an unexpected houseguest, Clee, who disrupts her orderly life. Their volatile relationship evolves into an unconventional bond, blending humor, violence, and tenderness. July explores love, identity, and transformation with quirky characters and raw emotional depth in this debut novel’s surreal, poignant narrative.
All Fours – 2024
A semi-famous artist plans a cross-country drive but halts at a motel, spiraling into a midlife odyssey. Exploring desire, aging, and freedom, she redefines her marriage and self through bold choices. July’s sharp, intimate prose captures a woman’s raw reinvention, balancing humor with profound reflections on life’s transitions.
Short Stories/Novellas:
The Boy from Lam Kien – 2005
A woman befriends a mysterious boy from Lam Kien, uncovering fragile connections in a transient world. Their fleeting bond reveals longing and isolation. July’s minimalist prose crafts an evocative, tender tale, blending whimsy with melancholy, as characters navigate fleeting intimacy and the quiet ache of unspoken desires in urban solitude.
Collections
No One Belongs Here More Than You – 2007
This short story collection delves into lonely, quirky characters seeking connection. From a woman teaching elderly swimmers to a couple’s strange sexual rituals, July’s empathetic, offbeat narratives explore love, isolation, and human oddities. Her vivid prose captures raw emotions, blending humor and heartbreak in unexpected, poignant ways.
Non-Fiction
Learning to Love You More – 2007
Co-created with Harrell Fletcher, this book compiles responses to artistic assignments given to strangers online. From photographing ceilings to confessing fears, participants reveal universal vulnerabilities. July’s collaborative project celebrates creativity, connection, and shared humanity, transforming everyday acts into profound, collective art with warmth and authenticity.
It Chooses You – 2011
July explores lives behind PennySaver classified ads, interviewing sellers in Los Angeles. From a retiree’s frog collection to a teen’s dreams, she uncovers poignant stories. Blending memoir and journalism, July reflects on creativity, loss, and human connection, crafting a tender, quirky narrative of fleeting encounters and personal reinvention.
Miranda July – 2020
This comprehensive monograph chronicles July’s multidisciplinary career—films, stories, and art. Featuring essays, scripts, and visuals, it explores her creative process and themes of intimacy, identity, and connection. July’s innovative storytelling shines, offering a deep dive into her quirky, empathetic world, blending humor with profound human insights.