He began his career by presenting ironic features on television and radio. He also moderated the program Erev Shabbat ("Friday night") on Israel channel one. In 1988 his first novel was published, The Blue Mountain (Hebrew title Roman Russi/ "Russian Novel").

He has written non-fiction and children's books as well. For many years Meir Shalev has been writing a weekly column in the weekend edition of the newspaper Yediot Ahronot. In his column, Shalev comments satirically on government policy and laments the situation of the Israeli people.

He has written non-fiction and children's books as well. For many years Meir Shalev has been writing a weekly column in the weekend edition of the newspaper Yediot Ahronot. In his column, Shalev comments satirically on government policy and laments the situation of the Israeli people.