About Pete Earley

Pete Earley is a storyteller who has penned 13 books including the New York Times bestseller The Hot House and the 2007 Pulitzer Prize finalist Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness.

After a 14-year career in journalism, including six years at The Washington Post, Pete became a full-time author with a commitment to expose the stories that entertain and surprise.

His honest reporting and compelling writing helped him garner success as one of few authors with ”the power to introduce new ideas and give them currency,” according to Washingtonian magazine.

When Pete’s life was turned upside down by the events recounted in his book Crazy, he joined the National Alliance of Mental Illness to advocate for strong mental health reform on the public stage.

This new advocacy has taken him to 46 different states and multiple countries around the globe where he delivers speeches to rally against the troubled mental health systems and for the mentally ill.

Contact Pete
Learn more about Pete’s Speeches

Published Works

Since becoming a full-time author in 1986, Pete has written 10 non-fiction books and 3 novels for a total of 13 books:

Testimonials

Here’s what others had to say about Pete:

Earley is a fair-minded reporter who apparently decided that his own feelings were irrelevant to the story. There is a purity to this kind of journalism, one that bestows an honor on the fact-seeking reader.
The Washington Post

A former Washington Post reporter, Mr. Earley writes with authenticity and style — a wonderful blend of fact and fiction in the best tradition of journalists-turned-novelists.
Nelson DeMille, bestselling author

Before we had schools of journalism, there was a straight-forward task called reporting that took you where you had not been and told you what you had not known. The Hot House is by a reporter, and gives the readers reporting at its very finest.
The Los Angeles Times

 

Pete Earley is a major talent.
Stephen Coonts, bestselling author of Flight of the Intruders

A terrific eye for action and character. Earley sure knows how to tell a story. Gripping and intelligent.
Douglas Preston, bestselling co-author of The Relic

Press and Awards

As an author, Pete has been on the receiving end of many accolades, including:

  • 2007 Pulitzer Prize Finalist for General Nonfiction
  • New York Times Bestseller for The Hot House
  • Robert F. Kennedy Award for Social Justice
  • Edgar Award Winner for Best Fact Crime Book

Pete’s opinion has also been sought out on many subjects and as a result he has been featured in these media outlets:

Pete Earley has been featured in these media outlets (CNN, USA Today, Today Show, PBS, NPR, The Washington Post, Tru TV)