Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Top Ten Most Anticipated Debut Novels for 2015

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies over at The Broke and the Bookish

THIS WEEK'S PROMPT IS TOP TEN MOST ANTICIPATED DEBUT NOVELS FOR 2015
I was so excited to see so many books featuring diverse characters coming out in 2015. I tried to spread out the love and expand my horizons this year so in no particular order, the debut novels I'm looking forward to most for 2015.

1. More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera (Goodreads)
I saw this book pop up in a couple of Twitter discussions a couple of months ago and I was intrigued. The discussion of intersectionality in the blurb alone makes me want to read it. The main character has grown up in The Bronx, is gay, but knows that that's not accepted within his group of friends and loved ones and therefore wants to erase his memories of who he is. It sounds like an interesting book that looks at how sexuality, class and race cross paths and I am so excited to read it. 

2. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (Goodreads)
This is another book that I've seen some rave mentions about. I've shied away from actually reading a review since I won't be able to read this one for awhile, but I'm excited by the talk I've come across so far. Here's another book featuring a queer character and I'm so happy to be able to say this is a pattern for a lot of my choices. I cannot wait to meet this particular character, a shy boy who wants to stay under the radar in high school (from what I can tell).

3. Made You Up by Francesca Zappia (Goodreads)
Books about mental illness aren't usually on my radar mainly because books about any illness tend to make me so remarkably sad. This is probably a horrible attitude that I'm working on changing. Zappia's debut novel however sounds like it might be the right book to get me to take the leap. Alex struggles with schizophrenia, but also wants to get into college and has dreams and passions despite not always being able to tell what's real and what's delusion. I've never read a book like this before and I'm looking forward to giving it a shot and maybe educating myself in the process. 

4. None of the Above by I. W. Gregorio (Goodreads)
None of the Above features an Intersex character, how great and rare is that? I am so excited that books like this are being written and representing the diversity of experiences! Kristin, the main character, doesn't know she's intersex until high school and it's not long before the whole school knows. It sounds like a book that deals with questions about identity and fitting in when your entire world is thrown and I cannot wait. This is one of my most anticipated books of the year hands down. 

5. The Night We Said Yes by Lauren Gibaldi (Goodreads)
This one just sounds like a fun, contemporary romance. It's my favourite genre and I cannot get enough of it. Parties, friendship, romance and second chances blend together to make something I'm happy to read in most cases and I'm looking forward to giving this one a shot. Plus check out the cover; it's so pretty. 

6. Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee (Goodreads)
I have an unabashed love for historical fiction, but I find there's a dearth of good, YA, historical fiction that I can really get into. That's starting to change with books like Code Name Verity and Between Shades of Grey and I'm hoping I can add Under a Painted Sky to that list. It's set in 1849 along the Oregon Trail and centers on two girls, one Chinese and one a runaway slave, who must disguise themselves as boys for safety. It sounds so good and just a little different from my usual fare! 

7. Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Falkoff (Goodreads)
I'm wary of books about suicide; I'm not going to lie. I've known far too many people who have taken their own lives and it's one of the most heartbreaking things for me. Thinking about that person's desperation, but also the pain of the loved ones left behind. It just hits a little close to home. However, Playlists for the Dead sounds incredibly moving, as a teenage boy listens to a playlist left for him by his best friend who has recently committed suicide. I don't know if I'll be able to get through this book in the end, but I want to try. 

8. Written in the Stars by Aisha Saeed (Goodreads)
Written in the Stars is about a girl who is raised by immigrant parents who have let her make her own decisions for the most part, but have always stated that they will choose her husband. She falls in love of her own accord and is horrified to learn that a family vacation to Pakistan is actually a chance to marry her to a man they have chosen. It is so far away from the types of contemporary romances I usually read, but I am looking forward to reading a book that is about a culture so distant from my own. I am looking forward to a book that will show me another culture and perhaps teach me about other perspectives. The story itself is also so intriguing. 

9. The Wrong Side of Right by Jenn Marie Thorne (Goodreads)
A book about a girl who suddenly finds out that her father is a powerful politician? Yes please! I love this kind of book. This kind of plot line always reminds me of that Amanda Bynes movie set in London, you know the one with Collin Firth? Family drama and politics; I am so excited. 

10. Unspeakable by Abbie Rushton (Goodreads)
Unspeakable is about a girl who hasn't spoken in months, but wants to, especially when a bubbly new girl arrives at school. Not much has been given away in the synopsis, but I think it will be an emotional, compelling read that I'm truly looking forward to. 

7 comments:

  1. I want to read all of these:) I think 2015 is going to be an awesome year for debuts just judging by people's lists.

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    1. There are so many more too that I didn't have room for! I wish I had time to read everything

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  2. I heard about The Wrong Side of Right by Jenn Marie Thorne from some other blogs and it looks really good. The cover is beautiful and it's now a part of my TBR. Great list!

    Thanks for stopping by my TTT.
    Alex @ The Book Banner

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    1. I'm really excited for that one and I couldn't agree more about the cover!

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  3. Love your selection! Made You Up and Written in the Stars are two more that I've been eyeing from this year :D

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  4. Lovely picks!
    Unspeakable sounds so emotional, and amazing. I really enjoy books about mental illness, and thankfully so far I've only encountered with ones that were well-written, I'm hoping Made You Up will join to that list. :)

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  5. I like the sounds of Under A Painted Sky. Might have to add that to my pile.

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