I read these 10 memorable (and highly recommended) debut novels when they were first published. In a couple of instances, I’m eagerly waiting for the author‘s next release, and in other cases, I’ve read everything the authors have since published. Do you love to discover new authors? Do you look for opportunities to support debut authors?
10 Memorable Debut Novels
(in no particular order)
I’m linking up today with That Artsy Reader Girl for Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Debut Novels I’ve enjoyed.
***This post contains Amazon affiliate links
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
I’m a Backman completist, and I discovered him by reading his debut, A Man Called Ove.
A Place For Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza
A Place For Us is a memorable family drama and it’s on my lifetime favorites list. I would love a sequel.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Homegoing is a masterful debut by an “own voices” author! Her sophomore novel Transcendent Kingdom is memorable, as well.
All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore
All We Were Promised is an amazing debut by an “own voices” author!
Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall
Dearly Beloved is a thoughtful and reflective debut. I’m eager for another work by the author.
The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
The Girl With the Louding Voice is a memorable debut by an “own voices” author, and I have her soon-to-be-released follow-up on my TBR.
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendon Slocumb
I loved Violin Conspiracy by this “own voices” author and immediately read his sophomore novel, Symphony of Secrets.
Go As a River by Shelly Read
Go As a River is an amazing debut. I’ve created a FREE Book Club Kit for your book club here.
Never Closer by Margot Shepherd
Never Closer is a fascinating histfic debut and Margot Shepherd is an author to follow.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
I love brave Eleanor Oliphant! The author’s expertise in creating the character and the careful story construction through the jaw-dropping ending will stay with me forever.
There are other debuts that I could have listed, but the above list of 10 represents a few of my most memorable.
QOTD:
What debut have you read that is the most memorable?
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Great debuts! Have you ever read one by Celeste Ng?
I loved Little Fires Everywhere!
Fab list Carol! I think one of the most memorable debuts I’ve read is The Seven (1/2) Deaths of Evelyn Hugo by Stuart Turton! 😀
Thanks Nicki! 🙌 I haven’t read that one.
Agree with you about the Abi Dare – I think her new book is something of a follow up?
Yes, I think so! Should be interesting!
I really should read A Man Called Ove sometime.
It’s becoming a classic I think! 😂
I’ve read a bunch of these! Ove made my list too.
Love Ove! I’m hopping over to read your list!
My most recent favorite debut novel is “The Ministry of Time” by Kaliane Bradley. Amazing!
I’ve been seeing some good reviews! Thanks for the rec!
Dear Carol,
I truly open every Reading Ladies and check out your books. I am a librarian in Austin Texas. I did years of librarian/teaching in PA and TX. I am proud to say that the boutique library I run out of my church has every one of these debut novels and my twin and I have read most of them. I am going to highlight your list in the library this week.
A debut novel I just finished and absolutely loved is Theo of Golden by Adam Levi. It does discuss faith, kindness, generosity, love, friendship, loss, and love. Wow…what a story he wrote! Adam lives in Georgia and is also a musician. He earlier wrote a short memoir about his brother called The Last Sweet Mile. I don’t know Adam, but after reading this book, I would love to know him. It truly is a debut novel I savored. By the way, Shelley Read’s book Go As a River was my 2023 pick. We had a peach festival and she did a zoom with 30 of my readers…very special. If you would ever like to zoom with my hybrid book club, I would be honored to host you. Thanks for this great book blog! It is my favorite! ❤️📚❤️
Peggy Greenawalt
WHPC Librarian
Austin, TX
512-415-0318
Pagtx@aol.com
Awwww! Your kind words are so appreciated! Thanks for taking the time to comment! I’m thrilled we’ve connected through the book world and that you are enjoying my reviews and blog! How fun to have a Shelley Read zoom session! And peaches! Yum! 😋
Thanks for the book rec…I’ll check it out! Happy reading Peggy!
Homegoing sounds interesting.
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.
Ambitious and memorable! I’m hopping over to read your post!
Oh dear, I still need to read The girl with the Louding Voice…
My TTT: https://laurieisreading.com/2024/07/23/top-ten-tuesday-introductions-to-authors-i-enjoyed/
It’s tbr worthy! I’m hopping over to read your post!
Good list! Esp Ove and Eleanor!
Lifetime favs! 🙌
Ove definitely! I even liked BOTH versions of the movie!
Yes! Both were wonderful!
Great debut list, Carol. I would also add Seven Little Australians, Anne of Green Gables, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Jane Eyre, Things Fall Apart and Catch 22.
Thanks! So many wonderful debuts!
I love A Man Called Ove and The Girl with The Louding Voice. Both were powerful reads for different reasons.
Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/debut-novels-ive-read-recently-and-enjoyed
Wonderful and memorable debuts!
What a great list, Carol. I have read 6 of these. Funny that A Man Called Ove is his debut, but I read 2 others before that one.
I had to double check that myself to be sure! But, yeah, it was author love at first-read!
I don’t think I really realized that A Man Called Ove was Backman’s debut! What a terrific book. Great list!
What a debut!
I read A Man Called Ove but that’s about it. Thanks for sharing.
My TTT about Debut novels:
https://momobookblog.blogspot.com/2024/07/top-ten-tuesday-debut-novels.html
Ove is a memorable character! I’m hopping over to read your post!
I loved Eleanor Oliphant too, Carol. Great list. 💕📚
Thanks Sandy!
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