Janet Fitch authored two well-known and excellent books, "Paint It Black", and "White Oleander", which they made a movie of. You should know that before there was Janet Fitch there was Kate Braverman, author of "Wonders of the West", "Lithium for Medea" (some title!), and "Frantic Transmissions To and From Los Angeles" (semi-autobiographical).
Another Fitch/Braverman read-alike; Laura Hendrie, "Remember Me".
Also, for short stories; Jean Thompson, "Throw Like a Girl".