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General Recommendations

Popular Authors and Their Debut Titles

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MCPL_ReaderServices

Mid-Continent Public Library

Staff-created list

We become so familiar with popular authors' famous works that it can be easy to miss their early and debut titles. Explore how popular authors got their start with this diverse reading list. **List created by Andie from our Claycomo Branch**

By:

MCPL_ReaderServices

Mid-Continent Public Library

15 items

15 items

The Mysterious Affair at Styles

The Mysterious Affair at Styles

by Christie, Agatha

Book - 2020

Christie, considered the best-selling author of all time outside of Shakespeare and The Bible, got her start with this 1920 publication featuring the worl...Show more Christie, considered the best-selling author of all time outside of Shakespeare and The Bible, got her start with this 1920 publication featuring the world's first look at famous fictional detective Hercule Poirot. Christie presents the murder of a wealthy woman and dares readers to guess the real culprit as she explores themes of wealth and power. If you enjoyed the movies Murder On The Orient Express or Death on The Nile or the movies Knives Out and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, you will probably love diving into Christie's written works. Show less

Christie, considered the best-selling author of all time outside of Shakespeare and The Bible, got her start with this 1920 publication featuring the worl...Show more Christie, considered the best-selling author of all time outside of Shakespeare and The Bible, got her start with this 1920 publication featuring the world's first look at famous fictional detective Hercule Poirot. Christie presents the murder of a wealthy woman and dares readers to guess the real culprit as she explores themes of wealth and power. If you enjoyed the movies Murder On The Orient Express or Death on The Nile or the movies Knives Out and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, you will probably love diving into Christie's written works. Show less

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Go Tell It on the Mountain

Go Tell It on the Mountain

by Baldwin, James

Book - 2016

James Baldwin's partly autobiographical debut novel explores many of the themes he faced in his own life as he lived as an openly gay man during the tumul...Show more James Baldwin's partly autobiographical debut novel explores many of the themes he faced in his own life as he lived as an openly gay man during the tumultuous civil rights movement. Go Tell It On the Mountain follows the teenage character John Grimes as he grapples with his relationship to both his family and the duplicitous role organized religion plays in his community. Hailed as one of the best African American novels of the 20th century, Baldwin's first novel is not one you want to miss. Show less

James Baldwin's partly autobiographical debut novel explores many of the themes he faced in his own life as he lived as an openly gay man during the tumul...Show more James Baldwin's partly autobiographical debut novel explores many of the themes he faced in his own life as he lived as an openly gay man during the tumultuous civil rights movement. Go Tell It On the Mountain follows the teenage character John Grimes as he grapples with his relationship to both his family and the duplicitous role organized religion plays in his community. Hailed as one of the best African American novels of the 20th century, Baldwin's first novel is not one you want to miss. Show less

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Carrie

Carrie

by King, Stephen

Book - 2011

The king of horror honed his skills early on with this supernatural fiction title which was also made into a popular movie a few years after publication. ...Show more The king of horror honed his skills early on with this supernatural fiction title which was also made into a popular movie a few years after publication. Dealing with themes of social ostracization and vengeance, Carrie follows the story of a high school girl with special powers. Carrie helped ignite an interest in the genre of horror in modern fiction and is an obvious choice for both horror buffs and those looking to learn more about the genre. Show less

The king of horror honed his skills early on with this supernatural fiction title which was also made into a popular movie a few years after publication. ...Show more The king of horror honed his skills early on with this supernatural fiction title which was also made into a popular movie a few years after publication. Dealing with themes of social ostracization and vengeance, Carrie follows the story of a high school girl with special powers. Carrie helped ignite an interest in the genre of horror in modern fiction and is an obvious choice for both horror buffs and those looking to learn more about the genre. Show less

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On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous

by Vuong, Ocean

Book - 2019

Vietnamese-American and openly gay poet Ocean Vuong's New York Times bestseller debut novel has been translated into 37 different languages. It is written...Show more Vietnamese-American and openly gay poet Ocean Vuong's New York Times bestseller debut novel has been translated into 37 different languages. It is written in the structure of a letter from son to illiterate mother. Described as moving, raw, and haunting coming-of-age novel, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is a good pick for those who enjoyed The Last Gift by Abdulrazak Gurnah, Where Reasons End by Yiyun Lee, Run to Me Earth by Paul Yoon, or Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart. Show less

Vietnamese-American and openly gay poet Ocean Vuong's New York Times bestseller debut novel has been translated into 37 different languages. It is written...Show more Vietnamese-American and openly gay poet Ocean Vuong's New York Times bestseller debut novel has been translated into 37 different languages. It is written in the structure of a letter from son to illiterate mother. Described as moving, raw, and haunting coming-of-age novel, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is a good pick for those who enjoyed The Last Gift by Abdulrazak Gurnah, Where Reasons End by Yiyun Lee, Run to Me Earth by Paul Yoon, or Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart. Show less

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Westward the Tide

Westward the Tide

by L'Amour, Louis

Book - 2022

Prolific Western writer Louis L'Amour got his start with Westward The Tide, a plot-driven story about a man who is heading west when he realizes foul play...Show more Prolific Western writer Louis L'Amour got his start with Westward The Tide, a plot-driven story about a man who is heading west when he realizes foul play is afoot that puts innocent people at risk. L'Amour wrote more than 100 best-selling books, and fans love his historically researched renditions of early American Western life on the frontier. If outlaws, thieves, and wagon trains catch your interest, you will enjoy L'Amour's works. Also for fans of William W. Johnstone. Show less

Prolific Western writer Louis L'Amour got his start with Westward The Tide, a plot-driven story about a man who is heading west when he realizes foul play...Show more Prolific Western writer Louis L'Amour got his start with Westward The Tide, a plot-driven story about a man who is heading west when he realizes foul play is afoot that puts innocent people at risk. L'Amour wrote more than 100 best-selling books, and fans love his historically researched renditions of early American Western life on the frontier. If outlaws, thieves, and wagon trains catch your interest, you will enjoy L'Amour's works. Also for fans of William W. Johnstone. Show less

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The Bluest Eye

The Bluest Eye

by Morrison, Toni

Book - 2007

Toni Morrison, respected American author and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Humanities Medal, the Nobel Prize in Literature,...Show more Toni Morrison, respected American author and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Humanities Medal, the Nobel Prize in Literature, and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction wrote her debut novel The Bluest Eye in 1970. This character-driven coming-of-age novel features an African American girl who prays for blue eyes which she perceives as a symbol of whiteness, beauty, and prosperity. Morrison's works are respected for their frank look at the ramifications of racism in America. Novelist read-alikes for The Bluest Eye include The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet and The Color Purple by Alice Walker. Show less

Toni Morrison, respected American author and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Humanities Medal, the Nobel Prize in Literature,...Show more Toni Morrison, respected American author and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Humanities Medal, the Nobel Prize in Literature, and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction wrote her debut novel The Bluest Eye in 1970. This character-driven coming-of-age novel features an African American girl who prays for blue eyes which she perceives as a symbol of whiteness, beauty, and prosperity. Morrison's works are respected for their frank look at the ramifications of racism in America. Novelist read-alikes for The Bluest Eye include The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet and The Color Purple by Alice Walker. Show less

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The Thomas Berryman Number

The Thomas Berryman Number

by Patterson, James

Book - 2015

James Patterson, something of a thriller tycoon, has sold over 400 million copies of his books. He has written over an astounding 200 novels since his deb...Show more James Patterson, something of a thriller tycoon, has sold over 400 million copies of his books. He has written over an astounding 200 novels since his debut: The Thomas Berryman Number. A suspenseful work beginning with three murders and escalating to a manhunt, this novel is a fascinating look at the first published work of a prolific author. Show less

James Patterson, something of a thriller tycoon, has sold over 400 million copies of his books. He has written over an astounding 200 novels since his deb...Show more James Patterson, something of a thriller tycoon, has sold over 400 million copies of his books. He has written over an astounding 200 novels since his debut: The Thomas Berryman Number. A suspenseful work beginning with three murders and escalating to a manhunt, this novel is a fascinating look at the first published work of a prolific author. Show less

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The Joy Luck Club

The Joy Luck Club

by Tan, Amy

Book - 1989

Tan, born to Chinese immigrants, writes culturally diverse, poetic, character-driven books. Her first book, The Joy Luck Club, became a surprise bestselle...Show more Tan, born to Chinese immigrants, writes culturally diverse, poetic, character-driven books. Her first book, The Joy Luck Club, became a surprise bestseller and spent more than 40 weeks on bestselling charts. The book chronicles the lives of four Chinese characters who meet regularly to connect and share stories about their lives, and what happens when one of the four women dies and her daughter joins the club. A generational narrative that explores tradition, the relationship between mothers and daughters, and the immigrant experience, The Joy Luck Club will surely strike a chord in readers' hearts. Show less

Tan, born to Chinese immigrants, writes culturally diverse, poetic, character-driven books. Her first book, The Joy Luck Club, became a surprise bestselle...Show more Tan, born to Chinese immigrants, writes culturally diverse, poetic, character-driven books. Her first book, The Joy Luck Club, became a surprise bestseller and spent more than 40 weeks on bestselling charts. The book chronicles the lives of four Chinese characters who meet regularly to connect and share stories about their lives, and what happens when one of the four women dies and her daughter joins the club. A generational narrative that explores tradition, the relationship between mothers and daughters, and the immigrant experience, The Joy Luck Club will surely strike a chord in readers' hearts. Show less

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The Intuitionist

The Intuitionist

by Whitehead, Colson

Book - 2000

Whitehead is the recipient of the National Book Award for Fiction and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and his books are known for being creative and compe...Show more Whitehead is the recipient of the National Book Award for Fiction and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and his books are known for being creative and compelling with potent social commentary. He often writes African American, literary, and historical fiction featuring diverse voices. His first book, The Intuitionist, . Show less

Whitehead is the recipient of the National Book Award for Fiction and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and his books are known for being creative and compe...Show more Whitehead is the recipient of the National Book Award for Fiction and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and his books are known for being creative and compelling with potent social commentary. He often writes African American, literary, and historical fiction featuring diverse voices. His first book, The Intuitionist, . Show less

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Out of the Silent Planet

Out of the Silent Planet

by Lewis, C. S.

Book - 1996

You probably know Lewis, theologian and close friend of J. R. R. Tolkien, from his Chronicles of Narnia Series; however, his debut work was the sci-fi Out...Show more You probably know Lewis, theologian and close friend of J. R. R. Tolkien, from his Chronicles of Narnia Series; however, his debut work was the sci-fi Out of The Silent Planet. Written in an engaging writing style and exploring themes of first contact, this debut novel will delight fans interested in Lewis's lesser known works. Show less

You probably know Lewis, theologian and close friend of J. R. R. Tolkien, from his Chronicles of Narnia Series; however, his debut work was the sci-fi Out...Show more You probably know Lewis, theologian and close friend of J. R. R. Tolkien, from his Chronicles of Narnia Series; however, his debut work was the sci-fi Out of The Silent Planet. Written in an engaging writing style and exploring themes of first contact, this debut novel will delight fans interested in Lewis's lesser known works. Show less

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Rubyfruit Jungle

Rubyfruit Jungle

by Brown, Rita Mae

Book - 1977

Brown is a feminist best-selling author known for her coming-of-age autobiographical debut Ruby-Fruit Jungle. She is also quite popular for her cozy myste...Show more Brown is a feminist best-selling author known for her coming-of-age autobiographical debut Ruby-Fruit Jungle. She is also quite popular for her cozy mysteries, including the Mrs. Murphy series. Brown often writes strong female leads into her work. Rubyfruit Jungle intimately portrayed the lesbian experience at a time when few other books were; it is considered an iconic work amongst lesbian works. Show less

Brown is a feminist best-selling author known for her coming-of-age autobiographical debut Ruby-Fruit Jungle. She is also quite popular for her cozy myste...Show more Brown is a feminist best-selling author known for her coming-of-age autobiographical debut Ruby-Fruit Jungle. She is also quite popular for her cozy mysteries, including the Mrs. Murphy series. Brown often writes strong female leads into her work. Rubyfruit Jungle intimately portrayed the lesbian experience at a time when few other books were; it is considered an iconic work amongst lesbian works. Show less

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Hero at Large

Hero at Large

by Evanovich, Janet

eBook - 2010

Hero at Large was originally written under Evanovich's pen name, Steffie Hall. Evanovich is now widely known for her upbeat, romantic, adventurous books t...Show more Hero at Large was originally written under Evanovich's pen name, Steffie Hall. Evanovich is now widely known for her upbeat, romantic, adventurous books that will make readers laugh. Evanovich's books have hit best-selling lists across the country, and her in-print books total over 200 million. Read-alikes for this book include It's In His Kiss by Jill Shalvis and In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer. Show less

Hero at Large was originally written under Evanovich's pen name, Steffie Hall. Evanovich is now widely known for her upbeat, romantic, adventurous books t...Show more Hero at Large was originally written under Evanovich's pen name, Steffie Hall. Evanovich is now widely known for her upbeat, romantic, adventurous books that will make readers laugh. Evanovich's books have hit best-selling lists across the country, and her in-print books total over 200 million. Read-alikes for this book include It's In His Kiss by Jill Shalvis and In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer. Show less

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Her Body and Other Parties

Her Body and Other Parties

Stories

by Machado, Carmen Maria

Book - 2017

Machado is a popular LGBTQIA+ writer. She is winner of the Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Fiction, the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Nonfiction, the ...Show more Machado is a popular LGBTQIA+ writer. She is winner of the Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Fiction, the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Nonfiction, the Brooklyn Public Library Literature Prize, the Shirley Jackson Award, the National Book Critics Circle's John Leonard Prize, and the Bard Fiction Prize. Her Body and Other Parties is a collection of short stories that are part horror, science fiction, and parable. Show less

Machado is a popular LGBTQIA+ writer. She is winner of the Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Fiction, the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Nonfiction, the ...Show more Machado is a popular LGBTQIA+ writer. She is winner of the Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Fiction, the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Nonfiction, the Brooklyn Public Library Literature Prize, the Shirley Jackson Award, the National Book Critics Circle's John Leonard Prize, and the Bard Fiction Prize. Her Body and Other Parties is a collection of short stories that are part horror, science fiction, and parable. Show less

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The Andromeda Strain

The Andromeda Strain

by Crichton, Michael

Book - 2017

Michael Crichton was a popular science fiction author whose works often feature the theme of humans and technology interacting to disastrous consequences....Show more Michael Crichton was a popular science fiction author whose works often feature the theme of humans and technology interacting to disastrous consequences. You've likely heard of Crichton's 1990 novel Jurassic Park, he also wrote many other well-received sci-fi novels. The Andromeda Strain was the first novel he wrote under his own name. It follows a team of scientific researchers who are investigating the outbreak of a terrifying alien microorganism. Read-alikes of The Andromeda Strain include Frank Herbert's The White Plague, John Scalzi's Lock In, and Mira Grant's Parasite. Show less

Michael Crichton was a popular science fiction author whose works often feature the theme of humans and technology interacting to disastrous consequences....Show more Michael Crichton was a popular science fiction author whose works often feature the theme of humans and technology interacting to disastrous consequences. You've likely heard of Crichton's 1990 novel Jurassic Park, he also wrote many other well-received sci-fi novels. The Andromeda Strain was the first novel he wrote under his own name. It follows a team of scientific researchers who are investigating the outbreak of a terrifying alien microorganism. Read-alikes of The Andromeda Strain include Frank Herbert's The White Plague, John Scalzi's Lock In, and Mira Grant's Parasite. Show less

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A Time to Kill

A Time to Kill

by Grisham, John

eBook - 2010

Grisham is a lawyer, but he is more well known for his massively popular legal thrillers. His debut title Time To Kill kicked off a career in which he has...Show more Grisham is a lawyer, but he is more well known for his massively popular legal thrillers. His debut title Time To Kill kicked off a career in which he has written forty-seven number one bestsellers in a row. Plot-driven and suspenseful, A Time to Kill features an intense case in which a criminal lawyer defends a man who murdered the men who assaulted his daughter. Readers of David Baldacci, Brad Meltzer, and Lisa Scottoline may also enjoy this author. Show less

Grisham is a lawyer, but he is more well known for his massively popular legal thrillers. His debut title Time To Kill kicked off a career in which he has...Show more Grisham is a lawyer, but he is more well known for his massively popular legal thrillers. His debut title Time To Kill kicked off a career in which he has written forty-seven number one bestsellers in a row. Plot-driven and suspenseful, A Time to Kill features an intense case in which a criminal lawyer defends a man who murdered the men who assaulted his daughter. Readers of David Baldacci, Brad Meltzer, and Lisa Scottoline may also enjoy this author. Show less

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