Every month, Debutiful selects can’t-miss books from debut authors that readers will love. You can find more recommendations here.
Dearborn by Ghassan Zeineddine (September 5; Tin House)
These stories are set in an Arab American community of Dearborn, Michigan and range from heartwarming to rage-inducing and everything in between. Zeineddine creates a nuanced exploration into all aspects of a community and allows the characters room to breathe and come to life. Reading this collection is an eye-opening experience for those who have only encountered these kinds of characters in mainstream American media.
I’m a Fan by Sheena Patel (September 5; Graywolf Press)
This blazing debut has already taken the U.K. by storm and will set American readers on fire. Patel explores the politics of sex and relationships in a searing manner. I’m a Fan will shock you in the best way.
Sift by Alissa Hattman (September 5; The 3rd Thing Press)
Do not judge this dystopian book by its page count. Hattman does more in barely over 100 pages than most books do with triple the page count. It is a gorgeously written love letter to humanity on the brink of collapse.
Hush Harbor by Anise Vance (September 5; Hanover Square)
A provocative and engrossing story study on racial tensions and crimes in America. Vance doesn’t miss a beat and will leave readers on the edge of their seats page after page.
Coleman Hill by Kim Coleman Foote (September 5; Zando)
The Great Migration is used as the backdrop of this historical novel where two African American families become intertwined as they flee the racism of the South for better lives. It’s a striking saga narrated by a chorus of unforgettable voices.
Kill for Love by Laura Picklesimer (September 5; Unnamed Press)
This satirical thriller follows a sadistic sorority girl and if that alone doesn’t make you want to pick up this book you should check your pulse. Hilarious and shocking, Picklesimer has created an uterly original must-read book. It’ll make your jaw drop onto the floor and you’ve been so captivated you won’t even care.
Amazing Grace Adams by Fran Littlewood (September 5; Henry Holt)
An incredibly moving story of a woman who is suddenly forty-five and realizes she is invisible in her own life. She decides to take back her own life in an emotionally driven and heartwarming novel. Littlewood is simply amazing.
Idlewild by James Frankie Thomas (September 12; Overlook Press)
Two thirty-somethings reflect on an intense teenage friendship that started on 9/11 and encompassed coming-of-age in a time when no one could predict what the future looked like. It’s a very queer and very fresh take on teen friendship. Idlewild is exquisite and revolutionary. You won’t want to miss this.
Glitter and Concrete by Elyssa Maxx Goodman (September 12; Hanover Square Press)
The drag history book we’ve all been waiting for. Goodman tracks the history of drag in New York City from the Jazz Age to the age of RuPaul winning Emmys. Fans of Paris is Burning will get the spiritual follow-up to the seminal documentary. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about queer history.
And Then She Fell by Alicia Elliott (September 26; Dutton)
An incredibly moving novel about a young Indigenous mother who is struggling to connect with her newborn daughter. Elliot deftly explores new motherhood and mental health throughout her surreal plot and beautiful prose. A stunner through and through.
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