Top Debut Novels of July 2021 | Best Books By Debut Authors

Long gone is the time when people assumed that debut books would be terrible and steered clear of them, now they’re all the rage. Debut novels are often impactful and surprising, because the authors have poured their heart out and invested so much energy and effort into them. Plus, since it’s an idea that has ruminated in their mind for so long, it’s well fleshed out as well. Month on month best books by debut authors are surprising us, and giving us new author to follow. Today, we’re looking at the top debut novels of July 2021.

Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder

This haunting tale of motherhood, love, heartbreak and art tells the story of a new mother who starts believing that she is a dog. This is vivaciously original, and offers rich insights into what motherhood and isolation can feel like. Plus, it’s imbued with magical realism, which is just the cherry on top.

Dear Miss Metropolitan by Carolyn Ferrell

This novel is the story of three abducted women kept hidden in a Queens house. Across the street lives ‘Miss Metropolitan’, a newspaper columnist who gives advice to people all over the town. However, even this nosy journalist never gets any hunch of the horror story unfolding so close to her, and years later, only two of the three victims are freed. The two girls, while trying to adapt to a new life and deal with their trauma, also attempt to decipher these two mysteries plaguing their conscience.

Nobody, Somebody, Anybody by Kelly McClorey

This follows the story of a maid, who is soon to give an important exam for the third time. However, her anxiety and isolation make life hard for her. So she decides to try a self induced placebo program that will make her feel better.

After the Ink Dries by Cassie Gustafson

In this contemporary coming-of-age story, our 16 year old protagonist attends a party, gets drunk and knocked out. The following day, she discovers names of several boys written on her body with a sharpie, including the name of her crush. Devastated, she tries to piece together the events of the night. This graphic novel is told with astonishing tenderness.

Everyone In The Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin

In this adult fiction infused with wry humour and pinching satire, a lesbian atheist finds a job as a church receptionist. Soon, though, she begins corresponding with the ex-receptionist’s sister, and strikes a friendship with the old woman. When the police becomes involved in the impersonation case, things become complicated.

The Comfort of Monsters by Willa Richards

This thriller novel tells the story of the disappearance of a teenager, with no evidence or body left behind as a hint. Thirty years later, her sisters promise their mother who is now on her deathbed, that they will solve the mystery. Involving psychics, cannibals and a fractured family, this debut took our breath away with its mastery and grip.

In The Same Boat by Holly Green

This story follows a competition that our protagonist’s father has a record in. However, because of a stupid mistake on Sadie’s part, he couldn’t win last year. Since then, the father daughter duo has been estranged. This year, Sadie tries to redeem herself and repair her broken relationship with her father, with the help of her attractive frenemy. As the duo wades through a dangerous yet picturesque river, a romance buds between the two that will steal your heart.

The Mythic Koda Rose by Jennifer Nissley

This beautiful queer romance follows Koda Rose, whose quest to find out about her dead rockstar father leads her into a whirlwind romance with his ex lover, Sadie. This debut is gripping and tender at the same time, a quiet burst of colour to get lost in.

Ghost Forest by Pik-Shuen Fun

This tender, sleek novel explores the turbulent period of China’s takeover of Hong Kong in the late 1990s. The protagonist’s family like thousands of others, migrates to Vancouver. Except, her father stays behind to earn money, but unexpectedly dies. The book explores the protagonist’s and her family’s trajectory as they come to terms with it and struggle to make a good life in Canada. This book is heartbreaking in its fragility, and will move you to tears.

Also Read: 13 Books in Booker Prize Longlist of 2021