Ordinary People

The Jarrets are a typical American family. Calvin is a determined, successful provider and Beth an organized, efficient wife. They had two sons, Conrad and Buck, but now they have one. In this memorable, moving novel, Judith Guest takes the reader into their lives to share their misunderstandings, pain...and ultimate healing.

Judith Guest was born in Detroit, Michigan and graduated from the University of Michigan in 1958. Ordinary People, her bestselling first novel, was published in 1976. Her others include Second Heaven and Killing Time in St. Cloud, a collaboration with novelist Rebecca Hill. She consulted with Robert Redford and scenarist Alvin Sargent on the film of Ordinary People, which won the Oscar for Best Picture of 1980. Her screenplay for the movie Rachel River was based on the short stories of Carol Bly. Judith Guest lives in Minnesota. Her favorite pastimes are roller-blading and baby-sitting for her grandchildren.