Cyra McFadden (1937–2024) was an American writer and humorist best known for her satirical depictions of California’s counterculture and suburban life. Her sharp wit and keen eye for social detail made her a distinctive voice in late twentieth-century American literature, particularly through her novels and essays that blended comedy with cultural critique.
Born in Butte, Montana, McFadden studied English and journalism at the University of California-Berkeley, and began her career writing for local newspapers and magazines. Her breakthrough came with The Serial: A Year in the Life of Marin County (1977,) a satirical novel illustrated by Tom Cervenak that lampooned the lifestyles of Marin’s affluent residents. The book became a bestseller and cultural touchstone, later adapted into a film in 1980.
McFadden followed with Rain or Shine: A Family Memoir (1986,) which recounted her childhood as the daughter of sportswriter Fred McFadden and offered a humorous yet poignant portrait of family life. Her essays and articles appeared in publications such as The San Francisco Chronicle and The New York Times, where she continued to explore themes of identity, community, and cultural absurdity.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Cyra McFadden
I no longer prepare food or drink with more than one ingredient.
—Cyra McFadden
Topics: Food
I wish it were O.K. in this country to look one’s age, whatever it is. Maturity has a lot going for it, even in terms of esthetics. For example, you no longer get bubblegum stuck in your braces.
—Cyra McFadden
Topics: Aging
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