“Don’t put so much pressure on yourself,” my husband comforted as I spiraled with a fit of writer’s block. “You can’t expect your first book to be the epitome of literature.”
I narrowed my eyes at him.
Challenge accepted.
Over the next few weeks, I’d drop famous books on the table in front of him and shout, “Debut!” as if this justified my artistic melodrama. Now, I’m going to do the same to you.
1. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Yep, debut. #1 New York Times bestseller and now a movie.
2. 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
#1 New York Times bestseller and now a Netflix series.
3. Dune by Frank Herbert
Ah, Dune. According to Mr. Wylde, it’s the pinnacle of the science fiction genre. And, not only was it Herbert’s debut, no one wanted to publish it. (Mr. Wylde showed me Herbert’s publishing story when I was whining about agent rejections.)
4. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Haven’t heard of this book? Most of my friends haven’t. You’ve heard of Gone Girl, yes? Same author. Except, Sharp Objects is my favorite of Flynn’s books. This debut was on the New York Times Bestseller List for 70 weeks. HBO is producing a limited series based on this novel starring Amy Adams.
5. One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus
This book is brand new (2017), a New York Times bestseller, and definitely worth your time. I’m two-thirds of the way through it, and my money’s on Simon.
6. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Cute movie. Terrible book. Inexplicably a New York Times bestseller.
7. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
Yes, this phenomenon of the millennial generation was Meyer’s first novel. Say what you will about Twilight, but commercially, it was a runaway success.
In defense of Mr. Wylde, my first book that he told me not to pull my hair out over did suck. My second, Never Touched, comes out in November. Call it hubris, call it naiveté, but I hope it’ll be the eighth on this list someday.