Debut Books: November 2023

This month, we explore the works of fresh voices making their mark in the literary landscape. From captivating stories that will transport you to new realms, to thought-provoking narratives that delve deep into the human experience, these debut authors offer a diverse range of tales that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Alice Sadie Celine by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright
For those who came of age in the 1990s, the notion of alluring parents has always lingered at the fringes of our collective consciousness. Just mention Stifler's mom or Stacy's mom, and you'll see the recognition in people's eyes. In this debut adult novel by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright, we take this concept a step further as Alice, feeling distant from her lifelong best friend Sadie, unexpectedly finds herself entangled in a romance with none other than Sadie's mother. But don't expect a run-of-the-mill cougar-joke comedy; instead, be prepared for a heartfelt, intelligent, and keenly observed exploration of friendship and personal fulfillment. This novel invites us to contemplate what it means to view our parents as fully realized individuals.

Something About Her by Clementine Taylor
An intricately woven debut novel delving into the lives of two young women who find themselves intertwined, setting off on an unforeseen voyage of self-exploration and contemporary romance. Aisling and Maya's bond is anything but anticipated. Maya has just commenced her second year at the University of Edinburgh, feeling assured about her position there and her newfound relationship with her childhood best friend, Ethan. At last, she joins the ranks of those content couples who revel in the security of being one part of something substantial.

Wings of Red by James W. Jennings
Driven by June Paper's distinctive narrative style, Wings of Red features a compelling voice that intimately and openly leads readers through the tumultuous external world of a Black educator, both in their personal and professional life, as it unravels and eventually mends. Within this narrative, a cast of authentic characters strives to achieve their aspirations despite the precarious professional and financial challenges they face. Wings of Red not only highlights the illusion of the American dream but also underscores the potency and importance of autofiction.

Upcountry by Chin-Sun Lee
In a Catskills town, Claire and April, two women with vastly different backgrounds, clash when Claire purchases April's family home. Claire's husband's infatuation with Anna, a member of a local religious community, sparks a chain of dramatic events, including the breakdown of marriages. Amid mutual dislike and growing empathy, the house remains a source of tension, and Anna is caught between the two older women, yearning for acceptance.