Hanya Yanagihara is an American author and editor, best known for her novel A Little Life, which was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2015. Born on September 20, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, she has also served as the editor-in-chief of T Magazine, a publication of The New York Times. In addition to her writing, Yanagihara is known for her advocacy on issues such as mental health and LGBTQ+ rights. Her work often explores themes of trauma, friendship, and the complexities of human relationships, making her a significant voice in contemporary literature.