Susan Poole

My debut novel,
Out of the Crash,
is out in the world!

A fatal hit-and-run shatters the lives of two neighboring families, forcing them to confront their broken relationships before they can begin to heal.

What Readers are Saying About
Out of the Crash

Kirkus Reviews:

“The tale is a rarity in contemporary literature: a novel that revolves around a moral
predicament and resists the temptation to issue didactic lessons and simplistic bromides.
Here, the author delicately combines terrible loss and a moving hopefulness into one
seamless and plausible story.”

Literary Titan Magazine:

“I’d recommend Out of the Crash to readers who appreciate layered family stories that don’t shy away from hard truths. If you liked Little Fires Everywhere or Ask Again, Yes, this
one will be right up your alley. It’s a book for people who aren’t afraid to sit in the middle of the storm and wait for the quiet to come. And if you’ve ever been a parent, a child, or someone trying to hold it together when your world is falling apart, this story will resonate with you.”

GoodReads Review

“From a son grappling with the loss of his mother to a mother torn over her son’s role in a tragic accident, Out of the Crash explores how a single event can ripple through the lives of those closest to it.

It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel. The characters are deeply human, and the story is compelling. Not every character is likable, but that’s part of what makes it feel so real.

This novel examines family dynamics and does a particularly strong job of showing how grief shapes the path forward. If you’re a fan of women’s fiction, Out of the Crash should definitely be on your radar. This is easily one of my top reads of 2025.”

Amazon Review

“This novel was well written and thought-provoking and because I was still mulling it over the next day after finishing it , I knew it was a winner. I liked the author’ style which made me see all sides of the story, and repeatedly question my feelings for the characters . The ending was not predictable, but it was satisfying and uplifting.

Congratulations , Susan Poole, on this debut novel. I can’t wait for the next one.”

Awards for Out of the Crash

2023 Rising Star Award

Short Stories AND ESSAYS

In addition to writing novels, I dabble in personal essays and short stories. It’s a great way to practice my craft and ensure that I keep improving. I’m grateful to have had several pieces chosen for publication. Read on for some of my favorite pieces.

A Cleveland’s West Side Story

A Cleveland’s West Side Story

By Susan Poole *Originally published in Neighborhood Voices, Edited by D.L. Ware, Presented by Literary Cleveland and Cleveland Public Library, First Edition, Parafine Press, 2021. Born into a Westpark neighborhood in the mid-sixties, not far from where my parents...

The Match of All Matches

The Match of All Matches

A mom’s view from the bleachers by Susan Poole *Originally published in Grapple Alley, Issue No. 1, 2021 I eyeballed the familiar opponent, beads of sweat slowly dripping over my temples and falling from my jawline. He’d made weight, passed the skin check. I’d been...