Bonnie Jo Campbell is an acclaimed American author whose work often delves into the lives of rural and working-class individuals. Born in Michigan in 1962, she holds an MFA in creative writing from Western Michigan University. Campbell is best known for her novel "Once Upon a River" and short story collection "American Salvage," which was a finalist for the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Her writing is celebrated for its gritty realism and deep empathy. Beyond her literary pursuits, Campbell is an adept traveler, having toured with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.