The past two years have been RIDICULOUS for debuts. Last year, 30% of my overall Top 10 Books of 2014 were debuts (also check out my Best Debuts of 2014). And, this year has been just as phenomenal if not more so! That means that you will be seeing some of these books pop up again on next week’s overall Best Books of 2015 list!
Note: I consider a debut to be the first book published by an author, not the first novel.
Best Debuts of 2015
Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich (review)
A jaw-dropping (yes, my jaw really did drop multiple times!) multi-generational family saga that feels like Southern “grit lit”, but reads like a thriller.
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Girl at War by Sara Novic (review)
The story of Ana as a child during the 1990’s war in Croatia is innocent and heartbreaking at the same time. I was fascinated by the child’s perspective of war…what Ana and Luka (her friend) notice and, more interestingly, what they don’t pay any attention to. I could have read hundreds more pages about Ana’s early life.
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My Sunshine Away by M.O. Walsh (review)
A heartfelt, honest, and beautifully written coming of age story with some suspense thrown in for good measure.
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Our Endless Numbered Days by Claire Fuller (review)
A gorgeously written story that starts out quietly, but takes a suspenseful turn and will leave you dying to talk to it over with someone.
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Pretty Ugly by Kirker Butler (review)
A “satire about child beauty pageants” that is essentially “Best in Show” for beauty pageants…in book form.
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The Gates of Evangeline by Hester Young (review)
Think Southern family drama and wealthy people behaving badly all wrapped up in a twisty page turner.
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The Shore by Sara Taylor (review)
While I was initially frustrated by the book’s structure and my own misguided expectations, The Shore ended up being a daring story of life in a unique and difficult place that I suspect will stick with me for a long time. Also check out my husband’s cousin’s guest post on A Local’s Reflections on this book.
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The Star Side of Bird Hill by Naomi Jackson (review)
Everything about this novel is just gorgeous: most obviously the writing, but also the coming of age story with generational and cultural clashes front and center.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
I need to try Bull Mountain. Initially I did not think it was a “me” book, but have seen so many favorable reviews.
Sarah – just wanted to mention how interesting your blog is – so many great posts. Not sure how you manage to keep it fresh with mom duties as well…LOL
After reading so much debut fiction last year, it seems like classics and #FerranteFever accounted for much of my reading this year. I haven’t read ANY of these!! Bull Mountain and The Shore sound very appealing and I plan to listen to The Gates of Evangeline (same narrator as Dollbaby, which I loved!)
I have several of those but haven’t read a single one. 🙁
Our Endless Numbered Days is the only one on your list I’ve read, but it was a good one.
The Shore and Bull Mountain are high on my list of what to read next!
I have Bull Mountain on my wishlist (waiting for Amazon to drop its price). BTW, it was selected by Amazon’s editors as one of the top 20 books of the year.
There are still so many of these that I haven’t read, Sarah!! I need to catch up! I definitely want to read Our Endless Numbered Days, as well as The Gates of Evangeline…I’m going to get to them, for sure!!
I think you’d totally love both!!
You’re killing me! I hadn’t heard about Pretty Ugly – sounds like one I have to read!
OMG – it was hilarious/ridiculous/awesome! Also a little bit sad. Give it a shot if you’re ever in the mood for something light!
Great post! I’m totally with you on Sara Taylor, and I have my eyeballs on Our Endless Numbered Days and Bull Mountain.
you have me anticipating Bull Mountain so much! I have it on hold at the library and am eagerly awaiting it!
I agree that this is definitely the year of the debut. So many amazing books! I’m still planning to read The Shore (don’t judge me for pushing back – lol) and My Sunshine Away (I know, I know); it just might not be before the year ends.
There are so many books out there – no judgment here!
Okay from your list I want to read The Girl at War book, the Claire Fuller one, and the Bird Hill book. These 3 have me curious. I liked My Sunshine Away. Thanks for the list
You’re welcome – hope you get to them!