National Book Critics Circle discussion

In addition to the books I've agreed to read and review, I'm also reading (or listening to audiobooks of) first books so I can make an informed choice when voting for the John Leonard Prize. 2014 first books I recommend include Molly Antopol's short story collection The Unamericans, John Darnielle's debut novel Wolf in White Van, and Stephanie Feldman's debut novel The Angel of Losses. I'm half way through and so far enjoying Zia Haider Rahman's debut novel In the Light of What We Know.

Bear in mind that the Leonard Prize is for a first book ever. For example Boris Fishman's debut novel A Replacement Life doesn't qualify, because Fishman published two creative writing textbooks earlier. Likewise the debut novel by the author of one or more non-fiction books, short story collections, or books of poetry would not qualify for the Leonard Prize.

Which 2014 first books do you recommend?

i'm pretty sure 'ploughmen' by zupan is a first novel, and it is really fantastic https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

Thanks for the heads up, Tuck :)

Tuck wrote: "i'm pretty sure 'ploughmen' by zupan is a first novel, and it is really fantastic https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1..."

Check out the conversation on Twitter, hashtag #NBCCLeonard for more...

National Book Critics Circle members will be putting forward their favorite first books before the end of the year. Voting for finalists in early January.
it's not too late to join if you're a reviewer. @bookcritics.org/membership

My favorite nonfiction reads from new writers in 2014 were:

Dan Fagin's Toms River and Will Harlan's Untamed