Where to Start Reading Carly Heath
Since Carly Heath's literary career is currently centered around a single, highly acclaimed masterpiece, finding the starting point is simple: you begin with her debut standalone novel, The Reckless Kind. Published in 2021 by Soho Teen, this genre-defying historical Young Adult novel has captured the hearts of readers with its unique blend of gritty realism and cozy found-family warmth.
The Standalone Novels
The Reckless Kind (2021)
Set in 1904 on the fictional island of Hestaland off the coast of Norway, the novel takes place in a conservative rural community called Muskox Hollow. It follows a trio of outcasts who choose to break away from societal expectations to live on their own terms:
- Asta Hedstrom: A headstrong, hard-of-hearing teenager who is asexual. She is determined to avoid an arranged marriage to her betrothed, Nils, and carve out a life of independence. Asta has Waardenburg syndrome, which shapes both her appearance and her hearing.
- Gunnar Fuglestad: Asta's loyal best friend who faces deep depression and grief after a severe farming accident leaves him with an amputated arm.
- Erlend Fournier: A wealthy young man who rejects his family's fortune and expectations to openly love Gunnar and help build their shared home.
When the trio moves to a secluded cabin on a rugged fjord, they must find a way to survive the harsh Norwegian winter and secure their financial independence. Their plan hinges on training a difficult fjord horse to win the village's annual, high-stakes horse race. The narrative alternates perspectives, allowing readers to dive deep into the rich inner lives of Asta and Erlend.
Themes and Representation
Carly Heath draws heavily from her own lived experiences as a hard-of-hearing asexual individual to write authentic representation. The book is widely celebrated for placing marginalized characters—particularly queer, asexual, and disabled youths—directly into a historical setting where they have historically been erased or ignored.
The story balances heavy, realistic themes such as homophobia, ableism, class struggles, and depression with a comforting, protective sense of community among the protagonists. The horse-training and racing elements add an exciting, classic adventure feel to the character-driven drama.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving in, readers should be aware that the novel deals with some heavy themes alongside its cozy elements. The characters experience physical violence, ableist prejudice, and emotional struggles associated with trauma and depression. However, the core of the story remains a heartwarming, romantic, and platonic celebration of love, resilience, and chosen family.
For readers who finish the novel and want more from Carly Heath, she is also active in the creative community. She co-hosts podcasts like The Haunted Hollywood Hour and writes fan fiction, particularly celebrating themes of queer romance and community found in media like Our Flag Means Death.