Named one of “30 of the Planet’s Most Exciting Young People” by the Financial Times, Elaine Castillo was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Her most recent novel, Moderation, was longlisted for the 2026 Women’s Prize in Fiction and the 2026 Joyce Carol Oates Prize. It was also named one of the Top Ten Books of 2025 by The Atlantic and Slate, and a Best Book of 2025 by The New Yorker, Time Magazine, Kirkus Reviews, and more.

Castillo is also the author of the award-winning debut novel America Is Not the Heart and the acclaimed book of essays How to Read Now. She is the recipient of a 2026 Whiting Award for Fiction, a two-time San Francisco Public Library Laureate, and a Berkeley Public Library Laureate. In the tradition of diasporic mothers everywhere, she works primarily so her rescued German shepherd, Vincent, can live a better life.

This series is hosted by the Department of English and Creative Writing with generous support provided by the Parshley Christ Endowment for Living Writers, the Olive B. O'Connor Foundation, as well as the Offices of the Provost/Dean and the Office of the President.

If you are unable to attend the author visit, you can sign up to join us virtually.

View the complete list of author visits.