Of the hundreds of debut books that come out every year, Debutiful founder Adam Vitcavage tries to read and cover as many as he can. However, he misses some knockout debut books. Here are the 2025 books that we missed, but wish we hadn’t.
Flat Earth by Anika Jade Levy
Catapult has consistently put out some of the best debut books since Debutiful launched. This one was always lurking in my mind throughout the year, but somehow it fell off my radar. Billed as “Renata Adler’s Speedboat for the Adderall generation,” this book could have topped our Best Debut Books of 2025 list. Alas, it’s now on my nightstand, ready to be read.
Galapagos by Fátima Vélez
Another imprint I absolutely adore is Astra House. Last year, they put our my favorite book (Mouth by Paloma Ghosh), and this translated novel was one I kept meaning to get to, but simply ran out of time. Debutiful favorite Molly McGhee says it’s “Kaleidoscopically raw. A tour-de-force of interiority balanced expertly with the gruesome reality of the bodies we live within. Kauders’ translation is a lesson in poetry. Prepare to be unspooled.”
The Lilac People by Milo Todd
This book started popping up on various subreddits I follow in the months after it came out and was consistently getting buzz from the literary world and non-readers alike. A historical trans story, it quickly became a bestseller.
Pure Innocent Fun by Ira Madison III
I’m always wary of covering “celebrities” who write books. I’ve been a fan of Madison’s since before Keep It and realized my own insecurities about talking to famous people ,and nonfiction kept this off my radar. But, reading more and more of his works, I’m dismayed I didn’t seek this out. Eagerly awaiting more of his books.
Ruth by Kate Riley
I have NO clue how I didn’t read this. It has everything I love and is very Debutiful coded. Hands down one of the best book covers of the year.
Woodworking by Emily St. James
I’ve read Emily St. James everywhere she has written from The A.V. Club to Vox. How, oh how, did I not read this book? Don’t be like me. Bump this to the top of your TBR right now.