Rachel Aviv

Rachel Aviv, a distinguished American journalist and writer, has carved a niche in the literary landscape with her incisive explorations of complex societal issues. Since joining The New Yorker as a staff writer in 2013, Aviv has delved into the intricacies of medical ethics, criminal justice, education, and homelessness, bringing to light the nuanced realities often overshadowed by mainstream narratives. Her profound storytelling has earned her a place as a finalist for the 2018 National Magazine Award for Public Interest, recognizing her poignant piece "The Takeover," which starkly exposes the plight of the elderly stripped of their legal rights. Her acclaimed work, "Strangers to Ourselves: Unsettled Minds and the Stories That Make Us," is a testament to her ability to weave personal narratives with broader social commentary, offering readers a thought-provoking examination of mental health. Aviv's exceptional narrative craft has been further acknowledged by the Scripps Howard Award for her investigative story on police shootings in Albuquerque, "Your Son Is Deceased." Her profound insights into mental health have also garnered a Rosalynn Carter Fellowship and an Erikson Institute Prize for Excellence in Mental Health Media, among other prestigious accolades. Renowned for her eloquent prose and empathetic insights, Aviv's contributions extend beyond writing, as she has imparted her knowledge in narrative medicine at esteemed institutions such as Columbia University Medical Center and the City College of New York. Her work consistently pushes the boundaries of conventional journalism, offering a rare blend of psychological depth and social critique that has solidified her status as a leading voice in contemporary nonfiction. Through her meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Rachel Aviv continues to challenge and reshape our understanding of the human condition.