Ayelet Waldman is an Israeli-American novelist and essayist, born on December 11, 1964. She is known for her richly detailed fiction that often focuses on the complexities of modern family life and motherhood. Waldman has also garnered attention for her essays on feminism, mental health, and the legal system, thanks in part to her background as a former public defender. Among her most notable works is the "Mommy-Track" mystery series, which features the character Juliet Applebaum, and the novel "Love and Treasure," which delves into the history of the Holocaust. In her memoir "Bad Mother," she explores the anxieties and challenges of parenthood. Waldman is also recognized for her frank and open discussions of her own experiences, including her struggles with bipolar disorder. She is married to fellow author Michael Chabon, and they often collaborate on various writing projects.