Picture an American storyteller who spun a quirky afterlife romance that’s equal parts sass and heart—meet Gabby Noone! Bursting onto the young adult fiction scene with her 2020 debut novel Layoverland, Noone has carved a niche with her witty, heartfelt narratives. Her unique blend of humor and emotional depth, paired with a knack for pop culture references, has made her a rising star in contemporary YA literature.
From her roots in Pennsylvania to her vibrant life in Brooklyn, Noone’s journey as a writer reflects her ability to find magic in the mundane. With her work featured in outlets like SSENSE, The Cut, and Jezebel, she’s not just a novelist but a cultural voice for a generation that loves a good laugh and a tug at the heartstrings.
The Making of Gabby Noone
Gabby Noone grew up in Abington, Pennsylvania, where her love for storytelling took root. A 2016 graduate of Barnard College with a B.A. in English and a film concentration, she honed her craft through a lens of humor and cultural observation. Before becoming a novelist, Noone made waves as a writer for MTV News, covering celebrity style, and contributed to publications like Rookie and The Hairpin. These experiences shaped her sharp, conversational voice, which shines in her fiction. Her early career as a copywriter for brands like Buffy and Flamingo further refined her ability to craft engaging, relatable content.
Gabby Noone’s Unforgettable Stories
Noone’s debut, Layoverland (2020), is a darkly funny YA romance set in a purgatory that resembles a mediocre airport. The story follows Beatrice Fox, a snarky teen tasked with helping 5,000 souls move on to heaven, including Caleb, the boy who caused her fatal accident. Critics, including Booklist, praised its blend of laughs and meditations on life, likening it to The Good Place for teens. Noone’s style—witty banter, vivid settings, and flawed yet lovable characters—makes the afterlife feel like a quirky rom-com.
Her second novel, Live, Laugh, Kidnap (2022), dives into a satirical take on a Montana megachurch, following four teens on a wild scheme. This work showcases Noone’s ability to tackle heavier themes with humor and heart, cementing her reputation for crafting stories that balance levity with depth. Her narratives often explore redemption, relationships, and the messy beauty of human connection, all wrapped in a pop culture-infused package that feels fresh and timeless.
Noone’s writing stands out for its emotional authenticity. She weaves grief and growth into her stories, as seen in Bea’s sibling bond in Layoverland, which adds depth to her biting humor. Her Tim Burton-esque worlds, as noted by author Goldy Moldavsky, are colorful and inventive, making her books a delightful escape for readers of all ages.
Why Gabby Noone Matters
Gabby Noone’s impact lies in her ability to make the afterlife—or a small-town megachurch—feel relatable and hilarious. Her stories resonate with young readers navigating identity, loss, and love, offering a fresh take on the YA genre. By blending humor with poignant themes, she’s earned accolades like the Indies Introduce Selection and Junior Library Guild Selection for Layoverland. Noone’s growing influence as a voice for quirky, heartfelt storytelling suggests she’s just getting started, with fans eagerly awaiting her next adventure.
- Born: Abington, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: Layoverland (2020), Live, Laugh, Kidnap (2022)
- Notable Recognition: Indies Introduce Selection, Junior Library Guild Selection
Snag Layoverland or Live, Laugh, Kidnap and dive into Gabby Noone’s hilarious, heartwarming world of YA fiction!