Picture an American storyteller who weaves music and prose into unforgettable tales—meet Noah Bly! Born in 1962 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and also known as Bart Yates, Bly is a novelist and music teacher whose emotionally rich stories capture the complexities of human connection. From Iowa City, Iowa, his novels like The Third Hill North of Town have earned critical acclaim for their wit and heart.
With a clarinet in one hand and a pen in the other, Bly’s unique blend of artistry makes his work a hidden gem in contemporary fiction. Ready to dive into his world?
The Making of Noah Bly
Noah Bly’s journey began in Wyoming, where he was born the youngest of four brothers. His family relocated to Lamoni, Iowa, in 1969, where his parents worked at Graceland College. Music was his first love—Bly earned a Bachelor of Music from Drake University in 1985 and a Master’s from Boston University in 1988, specializing in clarinet performance. After a brief stint as a bursar at The Boston Conservatory, he turned to teaching music in Massachusetts, then Iowa City in 1999. A novel-writing class at the University of Iowa’s Summer Writing Festival sparked his literary career, leading to his debut novel, Leave Myself Behind, in 2003.
Noah Bly’s Unforgettable Stories
Bly’s novels, often published under his pen name Bart Yates, are known for their vivid characters and emotional depth. His breakthrough, Leave Myself Behind (2003), won the 2004 Alex Award for its poignant coming-of-age story. The Third Hill North of Town (2014), his first novel as Noah Bly, is a picaresque road novel following Julianna Dapper, a 54-year-old woman escaping a mental hospital in 1962. Critics praise its chaotic yet heartfelt exploration of human connection, comparing it to Flannery O’Connor’s wit meets Kerouac’s On the Road.
The Distance Between Us (2015) dives into family dysfunction through Hester Parker, a sharp-tongued pianist grappling with loss. Bly’s latest, The Language of Love and Loss (2023), showcases his knack for blending humor with heartache. His style—marked by imperfect characters, coincidence, and grace—resonates with readers who crave stories that feel both raw and redemptive.
Bly’s teaching informs his writing; as a clarinet, saxophone, and bass guitar instructor, he brings a musician’s rhythm to his prose. His work often explores themes of resilience, identity, and the beauty of flawed relationships, making each novel a soulful melody.
Why Noah Bly Matters
Noah Bly’s impact lies in his ability to craft stories that linger. His novels, though not mainstream blockbusters, have carved a niche in literary fiction, earning praise for their authenticity and emotional resonance. By tackling themes like mental health, family bonds, and personal redemption, Bly speaks to readers seeking depth in a chaotic world. His dual career as a music educator and writing workshop leader at the University of Iowa inspires aspiring artists, proving creativity knows no bounds.
In a literary landscape often dominated by flashier names, Bly’s quiet brilliance stands out. His work reminds us that the most profound stories are often the ones told with heart, humor, and a touch of the ridiculous.
- Born: 1962, Cheyenne, Wyoming
- Key Works: Leave Myself Behind, The Third Hill North of Town, The Distance Between Us, The Language of Love and Loss
- Awards: 2004 Alex Award for Leave Myself Behind
- Fun Fact: Bly teaches clarinet and writes with a glass of wine or coffee nearby!
Snag The Third Hill North of Town and dive into Noah Bly’s soulful, witty world of literary fiction!