Picture a Vermont-born storyteller who weaves tales of human resilience against the backdrop of cosmic and climatic upheaval—meet Lily Brooks-Dalton! Known for her lyrical prose and profound themes, she’s the brilliant mind behind Good Morning, Midnight, a novel that inspired Netflix’s The Midnight Sky, and the critically acclaimed The Light Pirate. Her stories explore humanity’s connection to the universe and nature, capturing hearts with their emotional depth and vivid settings.
With a knack for blending science fiction, post-apocalyptic narratives, and heartfelt memoir, Brooks-Dalton has carved a unique niche in contemporary fiction. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore her journey from a small-town dreamer to a literary star!
The Making of Lily Brooks-Dalton
Born on August 18, 1987, in southern Vermont, Lily Brooks-Dalton grew up in a creative environment that nurtured her love for storytelling. A quiet, artistic child, she filled journals with reflections and thrived on creative writing assignments. At 15, feeling disconnected from traditional high school, she enrolled at the Community College of Vermont, balancing night classes with waitressing. This unconventional path fueled her independence, leading her to travel the world—working on farms in Italy, teaching English in India, and bartending in Australia. These experiences shaped her curiosity about human connection and the natural world, themes that permeate her work. She later earned a BA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an MFA from Portland State University, honing her craft and setting the stage for her literary career.
Lily Brooks-Dalton’s Unforgettable Stories
Brooks-Dalton’s debut memoir, Motorcycles I’ve Loved (2015), is a lyrical exploration of self-discovery through her passion for motorcycles. Finalist for the Oregon Book Award, it blends physics, motion, and personal growth, chronicling her journey as a young woman reclaiming her identity on the open road. Her first novel, Good Morning, Midnight (2016), is a haunting post-apocalyptic tale of two outsiders—a scientist in the Arctic and an astronaut returning from Jupiter—grappling with love, regret, and survival. Translated into 17 languages and adapted into The Midnight Sky (2020), directed by George Clooney, it earned praise for its crystalline prose and emotional depth.
Her second novel, The Light Pirate (2022), is a visionary climate fiction story set in a near-future Florida ravaged by ecological collapse. Following a family through the life of their daughter, Wanda, it weaves resilience, hope, and a touch of the fantastical, earning accolades as a Good Morning America Book Club pick and a New York Times Editors’ Choice. Brooks-Dalton’s style—sparse yet poetic, blending science and emotion—creates immersive worlds that linger with readers, inviting reflection on humanity’s place in the cosmos and on Earth.
Why Lily Brooks-Dalton Matters
Lily Brooks-Dalton’s work resonates because it dares to ask big questions: What endures when the world changes? How do we find meaning in isolation? Her stories, whether set in the icy Arctic or a storm-ravaged Florida, explore the bravery of the human heart and our complex relationship with nature. By tackling climate change and existential themes with hope and empathy, she’s become a vital voice in climate fiction and speculative literature. Her ability to weave personal narratives with universal concerns inspires readers to reflect on their own resilience and connections, making her a standout in contemporary fiction.
About Lily Brooks-Dalton
- Born: August 18, 1987, in Vermont
- Key Works: Motorcycles I’ve Loved, Good Morning, Midnight, The Light Pirate
- Awards: Oregon Book Award finalist, Dayton Literary Peace Prize runner-up
- Notable: Inspired Netflix’s The Midnight Sky
Want to explore a world where science meets soul? Grab The Light Pirate or Good Morning, Midnight and dive into Lily Brooks-Dalton’s breathtaking storytelling!