Each month, Debutiful will recommend a handful of buzzworthy and under-the-radar debut books for you to read.
To be honest with you, this was a hard list to compile. Both because so many great books are coming out and some even shifted into June last minute. I expanded the list to include 9 total debuts. I hope you can find solace in escaping into these books.
You can purchase all of the books via Bookshop.org.
A Burning by Megha Majumdar (Knopf; 6/2)
After a terrorist attack sets a train ablaze, a Muslim girl from a nearby slum criticizes the government on social media. This sets off a series of events that explores social class, freedom, and religion in Bangladesh. Majumdar masterfully crafts gut punching scenes that will leave a mark long after the last page is finished.
Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan (Ecco; 6/2)
A love triangle unfolds in this refreshingly wry novel that keenly observes millennial lust. Dolan has crafted a novel for those itching for something similar to Sally Rooney, but offers a unique perspective wholly original.
You Should See Me in A Crown by Leah Johnson (Scholastic; 6/2)
This YA queer coming-of-age romantic comedy needs to be read wide and far. Johnson produces a very lovable story filled with equally love able characters. Whether you’re a queer teen or a straight grandparent, you’ll find something in this book to love.
You Exist Too Much by Zaina Arafat (Catapult; 6/9)
The love life (or lack thereof) of a Palestinian American is put on display as an unnamed character questions her life choices. Her life is messy and Arafat doesn’t shy away from that one bit.
Pizza Girl by Jean Kyoung Frazier (Doubleday; 6/9)
Inside this slim novel, Frazier tackles many social issues in a humorous manner while still giving a lot of heart. It starts with a late night pizza delivery and twists and turns in unexpected ways; just like life.
Broken People by Sam Lansky (Hanover Square; 6/9)
Following up on his memoir, Lanksy offers a factionalized version of a Sam with a very similar background. Here he is able to shift focus and take readers down a different type of rabbit hole.
The Lightness by Emily Temple (William Morrow; 6/16)
A dark teenage story akin to The Craft. Olivia finds herself drawn to three other girls who help change her perspective on what life can be about. Temple tackles teenage lust and desire in a whole new way.
Sleepovers by Ashleigh Bryant Phillips (Hub City; 6/16)
These are the stories of people from rural America that have been forgotten by the rest of the country. Mostly set in northeastern North Carolina, the stories are earnest and quiet, mirroring the characters portrayed in them. Ashleigh Bryant Phillips has a knack for creating immersive settings with unforgettable characters.
The Margot Affair by Sanaë Lemoine (Hogarth; 6/16)
The titular Margot is a moody teen teetering in the edge of adulthood. As she navigates coming of in France, readers are taken inside her most intimate moments.
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