Weekly Lists #177: Favourite Debut Novels

Just about everyone I know has, at one point or another, thought about writing a book. Sometimes it was a manual to themselves (yes, true story, a friend of mine in high school had this plan). Sometimes, it was their life’s story, or a fairy tale, or the story that they wish they’d had when they were 15. Very few people actually put pen to paper. Even fewer get published. After all, writing a book is hard enough, let alone writing a good book. Yet, somehow, these 5 people managed to get it right. And on their first go as well! Here’s 5 of my favourite debut novels!

1. The Secret History, Donna Tartt

I already gushed about this novel on a couple of occasions. I mean, it was the first book in a while that left me unable to form any coherent thoughts. That has to say something, right?

2. The Kiss Quotient, Helen Hoang

Unlike the previous book in this list, The Kiss Quotient is fluffy, and romantic, and all together just pretty great. So when I found out it was actually a debut nove? Well, I was kind of in shock. The tone in this novel just seems so well-honed, that it seemed rather impossible for this to be anyone‘s first go at publishing a book!

3. The Time Traveler’s Wife, Audrey Niffenegger

This book got me in a way that I really didn’t expect it to get me. I mean, usually, when I have pretty high expectations for a book? It ends up kind of failing me. That was not the case with this one, though. Quite the opposite: whatever my expectations were? The Time Traveler’s Wife outdid them.

4. The Princess Saves Herself in This One, Amanda Lovelace

If the previous book got me, this one hit me with a club. Right in the face. There were entirely too many truths in this poetry collection, the themes were just too right-on-the-spot, and if you want to hear me gush about it some more? Well, that’s what my review is for, of course!

5. The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini

You know how, in general, when you have to read books, they suck? Just on the principle that you have to read them, so they’re just not going to be any good ever? Yes, well, The Kite Runner is the exception to that rule. Not only did I not hate it, I found myself touched by this story to the point that, 8-9 years after reading it? I still remember what it felt like to delve into this story.

Altogether, these are just some of the authors that got. it. right. on their first book. Naturally there are many more, so, in all likeliness? You will get a follow-up to this post at some point! Until then: let me know below: what are some of your favourite debut novels?

-Saar