Picture a storyteller who spun a tale of queer love and found family in the rugged fjords of early 20th-century Norway—meet Carly Heath! A compassionate animal lover and gifted young adult author, Heath burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, The Reckless Kind, a genre-defying historical YA that’s as heartwarming as it is rebellious. With a knack for vivid characters and immersive worlds, she’s quickly become a voice to watch in queer and disability representation.
From her roots in the San Francisco Bay Area to her life tending rescued farm animals, Heath’s journey is as unique as her stories. Her work, infused with historical depth and a fierce advocacy for the marginalized, invites readers to rethink societal norms through tales of resilience and love.
The Making of Carly Heath
Born and raised in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, Carly Heath (she/they) developed an early love for storytelling, horses, and history. With a BA from San Francisco State University and an MFA from Chapman University, she honed her craft while teaching design, art, theater, and writing at various colleges. Her fascination with Norwegian culture, sparked by reading Sigrid Undset’s Kristin Lavransdatter and researching fjord horses, laid the foundation for her writing. Personal experiences, like childhood injuries and her identity as a hard-of-hearing asexual individual, also shaped her empathetic, character-driven narratives.
Heath’s path to authorship wasn’t easy. Juggling multiple jobs as a millennial, she wrote and revised The Reckless Kind over seven years, navigating rejections and agent changes. Her persistence paid off, proving her dedication to authentic, diverse storytelling.
Carly Heath’s Unforgettable Stories
Carly Heath’s debut, The Reckless Kind (Soho Teen, 2021), is a standout in YA historical fiction. Set in 1904 on an island off Norway, it follows Asta Hedstrom, a queer, asexual, hard-of-hearing teen who defies her betrothal to pursue a life with her friends Gunnar and Erlend. The trio’s journey—marked by a dramatic horse race and a fight against societal prejudice—explores themes of disability, queer identity, and found family. Heath’s immersive prose and meticulous research, drawn from 19th-century travel guides and historical texts, bring the era to life.
Her writing style blends cozy warmth with gritty realism, balancing tender moments of friendship with the harsh realities of homophobia and ableism. Asta, inspired by Heath’s own experiences, is a compelling protagonist whose asexuality and Waardenburg syndrome add depth to the narrative. The novel’s alternating perspectives between Asta and Erlend showcase Heath’s skill in crafting distinct voices, earning praise for its nuanced representation and a 2021–2022 Whippoorwill Award for Rural YA Literature.
While The Reckless Kind remains her only published novel to date, Heath’s fans eagerly await her next work, expecting more stories that challenge conventions and celebrate the underdog.
Why Carly Heath Matters
Carly Heath’s impact lies in her ability to amplify marginalized voices in historical fiction. By centering queer and disabled characters in a time when such identities were often erased, she offers readers a lens into both historical struggles and timeless resilience. Her work resonates with teens and adults alike, inspiring them to question authority and embrace their authentic selves. The cozy yet defiant spirit of The Reckless Kind has earned it a devoted following, with reviewers calling it a “warm literary hug” that redefines family and love.
As an educator and activist, Heath’s influence extends beyond her writing. Her advocacy for animals and her openness about her identity foster a sense of community, making her a role model for aspiring authors and readers seeking representation. In a genre often dominated by predictable narratives, Heath’s bold storytelling paves the way for more inclusive YA literature.
- Birthplace: San Francisco Bay Area
- Key Work: The Reckless Kind (2021)
- Award: 2021–2022 Whippoorwill Award for Rural YA Literature
- Fun Fact: Heath tends a menagerie of rescued farm animals!
Snag The Reckless Kind and dive into Carly Heath’s cozy, rebellious world of queer historical YA—your heart will thank you!