There is something special about finding a really amazing debut novel. There are so many debut novels that I read that blow me away and it is hard to believe that it is the author’s first book. Today I am sharing just five of the many debut novels that I adore!
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
The writing in Homegoing is so beautiful and it is incredible how Yaa Gyasi is able to weave her story together. It is amazing that this is her debut novel and I hope we are blessed with more work from her in the future. It is because of her and this book that I discovered how powerful multi-generational stories could be and I fell in love with them.
The Beauty that Remains by Ashley Woodfolk
The Beauty that Remains is a book that I feel is underrated. It was recently released in paperback with this stunning cover and I hope that helps more readers to discover it. It is such an honest look at grief and how we all deal with loss in different ways. It also highlights the power of music- which I believe in and love! Woodfolk’s next book is set to release in 2020 and I can not wait!
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
I finally picked up Donna Tartt’s wildly successful debut novel and wow- it is as amazing as everyone says that it is! It is so dark and complex and I was completely captivated by it. These are awful characters but you still find yourself invested in them and their stories. It is incredible that this is her debut novel- it’s absolutely brilliant!
Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Every since I read Starfish I can not stop gushing about it! It is just so real and has some of the best mental health representation that I have ever read. It is one of those books that I know has the potential to be life changing for some readers- and I do not say that lightly. So many people will be seen and heard by this book.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
Katherine Arden has quickly become one of my favourite authors and it is hard to believe that The Bear and the Nightingale was her debut novel. I do not know that I have ever read a book that was so atmospheric and had such a sense of place. You could actually feel the chill in your bones!
What is your favourite debut novel?
Agree about The Bear and the Nightingale! Wonderfully written!
So true. She has such a way with words.
I loved Homegoing! I was shocked when I learned it was her debut novel.
Me too! It’s fantastic!
Was blown away by Homegoing. I recommend it a lot.
Same! Incredible book!
Great list! I really want to pick up the secret history!
(Www.evelynreads.com)
Thanks! The Secret History is amazing!
I LOVED The Beauty That Remains and Starfish.
I really want to pick up,The Secret History and Bear and the Nightingale
Two of my favourite YA novels ever!
The Secret History and The Bear and the Nightingale are so beautifully written. It’s truly incredible that they are debut novels!
I really want to read it The Bear and the Nightingale 💕😚
Superb list .
Thank you! It’s a wonderful book!
Homegoing feels like a classic novel. It’s such a powerful story and I can’t believe its her debut. I have all the others still on my TBR. I can’t wait to get those. Great list! 🙂
I think Homegoing has the potential to be a modern classic for sur. So beautiful!
Great choices! I really need to read The Bear and the Nightingale.
It’s so good! I think you’ll love it!
Just added The Bear and the Nightingale to my TBR. Excited to check it out further!
Yay! It’s an amazing book. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Me too!
Wonderful picks! I adore The Secret History and The Bear and the Nightingale is my favorite everything ❤️
Thank you! Both books are fantastic. Such great writing!
I loved Homegoing! An amazing debut novel for a 26 yo author! 👍
I didn’t realize she was only 26! Wow!
I’ve seen The Secret History on a few lists and feel like I should really be checking that out now. I know little to nothing about it so I should probably swing myself over to Goodreads!
The Bear and the Nightingale – what a stunning debut book and what a wonderfully fantastic book to have as a debut. Katherine Arden really did herself proud IMO.
The Secret History is so original. I knew very little going in to it and I think that it part of what made it so special!
I completely agree about Katherine Arden. What a talent!
I completely forgot Bear and the Nightingale was a debut, that should have been on my own list!
That is probably because it is so hard to believe that it is a debut!
Mine is probably Homegoing too. It was such a good read and one I strongly related to. I loved it.
I’m so glad. It’s beautiful!
Brilliant list! I love homegoing and bear and the nightingale!
Thank you!