7 Exceptional Debut Novels Published in 2022
Book Recommendations
2022 was a fantastic year for debut novels. The following seven books were some of my favorite debuts of the year. Some of these books received plenty of hype (rightfully so) while others largely flew under the radar (for instance, These Impossible Things was a Read With Jenna / Today Show Book Club selection, however, I rarely saw it mentioned or recommended by the online book community).
A number of these books also have screen adaptations currently in the works - which I’ve noted where relevant. I highly recommend adding all seven of these books to your TBR (if you haven’t yet read them)!
These Impossible Things by Salma El-Wardany
If you’re looking for a book that will give you allll the feels, look no further! This book will make you laugh. It will make you ugly cry. It will make you cherish your friendships and found family.
I don’t know that I’ve ever read a book that so perfectly captures the fierceness of female friendships - the ups and downs, the inside jokes, the unfaltering protectiveness, the laughter and the tears. The author, Salmael El-Wardany, truly knocked it out of the park with her stunning debut novel, which explores the dynamics between three twenty-something Muslim women as they navigate romantic relationships, familial conflict and their faith.
One of the (many) things I adored about this book was the way it spoke about interfaith relationships - both the challenges of such as well as the idea that ‘love conquers all.’ I also really enjoyed learning more about the Muslim faith and the different values, expectations and customs across continents. The book begins in England, but ventures to Cairo when one of the women moves to her family’s homeland. I’ve always wanted to visit Egypt, so it was quite fascinating to read about life in the bustling city of the nation’s capital.
I also really appreciated the underlying theme of what it means to be “good” and how women are so often expected to adhere to a limited framework in order to appease the expectations of others and remain in society’s good graces.
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
This book was not at all what I was expecting… it was marketed as a thriller, but it’s definitely more of a character study within the framework of a mystery.
Ray McMillion is a professional violin soloist and the proud owner of a priceless Stradivarius violin, which was gifted to him by his grandmother. The book begins with the theft of Ray’s most prized possession and a demand for ransom. What follows is a deep dive into Ray’s past - from growing up as a poor Black kid who couldn’t afford his own violin - let alone private lessons like his peers - to one of the most sought after violin soloists in the world. We see how Ray came to possess his cherished Stradivarius as well as the lawsuits and family dynamics that threatened to take it away. In the final portion of the book, we also see the investigation into his stolen violin play out.
The character development and the musical knowledge in this debut novel is truly unparalleled. The author, who himself is a Black classical violinist and music teacher, drew on many of his own experiences when writing Ray and the situations he encounters in the book. From being pulled over and thrown in jail in Baton Rouge (for absolutely no reason) to dealing with verbal assault, racial slurs and tokenism, the author paints his protagonist as a deeply talented, passionate and kindhearted musician - one who is forced to endure the vitriol of a racist society, but nevertheless persists.
I loved learning about Ray’s background and seeing how the mystery of his stolen violin played out. While I didn’t necessarily love the ending, that’s mainly because I was really hoping it would go a different way for Ray. He deserved so much better. Nevertheless, this book is truly a gem and I highly recommend grabbing a copy… especially if you’re a music lover! 🤩
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
This touching novel stars a curmudgeon octopus who forms an unlikely friendship with the grieving widow who cleans his aquarium tank. As the two develop a special bond, Marcellus (the octopus) helps his new friend discover the truth about her son decades after his mysterious disappearance.
If you’re a fan of audiobooks (like me!), I highly recommend this one on audio. It’s narrated by a cast of voice actors and is incredibly engaging and well done. I especially loved how the narrator brought Marcellus to life.
Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley
This beautifully written and exceptionally heavy novel follows a Black teenager who turns to prostitution in an effort to save her family from homelessness. While this book is a work of fiction, it draws inspiration from events that occur regularly and the miscarriage of justice that prevents those in positions of power from being held accountable for egregious acts.
This exquisite book was chosen as an Oprah’s Book Club selection in 2022 and shortlisted for many literary awards. Also - fun fact for you - the author, Leila Mottley, wrote this book at just ninteen-years-old while still in college!
If you decide to pick this one up, I would advice doing so when you’re in the proper headspace, as this book tackles some very tough subject matter.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Set in the late 1960s, Elizabeth Zott is a no-nonsense chemist and single mother who is ahead of her time. After losing her lab job due to sexual harassment, she reluctantly becomes the star of a TV cooking show, called Supper at Six. The show becomes a huge hit and Elizabeth becomes something of a feminist icon as she teaches housewives how to use chemistry to improve both their cooking and their lives.
There were so many things I loved about this book. The dry humor along with Elizabeth’s witty one-liners (and general eccentricity) made this a fun and engaging read. I also LOVED Six Thirty - Elizabeth’s rescue dog - and particularly enjoyed the parts of the story that were told from the dog’s point of view. Not only is he incredibly insightful and intelligent, but many of his musings - and the way in which he interprets the human world - are quite hilarious.
While I would certainly classify this as a feminist book, a number of reviewers have pointed out that it fails to include or address intersectional feminism and instead focuses purely on white cis middle-class women. They certainly have a point, however, I viewed this focus more as a sign of the times rather than a purposeful exclusion. I also think we, as readers, can’t expect every book to check every single box. Which is partly why I think it’s so important to read a diverse collection of authors, stories and genres.
ALSO exciting news… the book is currently being adapted into a series for Apple+ starring Academy Award winner Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott 🤩. Not only is Brie Larson starring in the show, but she is one of the producers as well (we love to see it!). Lewis Pullman - who you may know from Top Gun Maverick - plays Elizabeth's love interest, Calvin. The series has already begun filming (in Los Angeles), however, Apple+ has yet to announce a release date.
Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez
A story about one Puerto Rican family’s complicated history and legacy, this contemporary fiction novel stars an ambitious Latinx wedding planner living in Brooklyn… one who dabbles in some dubious business practices. The book examines Olga and her politician brother’s strife to protect their community while in the pursuit of the American Dream.
This is another book I listened to and really enjoyed on audio! Like Remarkably Bright Creatures, this audiobook is narrated by a cast of voice actors who really bring the story to life.
This one is also currently being adapted for screen (by Hulu). The series will star Aubrey Plaza in the lead role of Olga. I love Aubrey Plaza and am certain this book will translate quite well on-screen, so I can’t wait to watch this one!
The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty
Winner of the 2022 National Book Award for Fiction, this distinguished literary fiction novel follows a series of loosley connected characters living in a shabby apartment building in a dying Midwestern town. At the center of the story is an uninhibited and eccentric young woman who captivates nearly everyone she encounters.
Bizarre, beguiling and incredibly unique, this book is filled with ‘WTF moments’ and will certainly make you think!
That's all for now! Stay tuned for more fabulous book recs. And in the meantime, hop on over to The Bookmarkparty Shop to check out my bookish merchandise and gifts for book lovers.
