Top Ten New to Me 2017 Authors I’ve Read

Let’s begin with a word of thanks. This meme is a weekly joy, provided by The Broke and The Bookish. Today’s topic: Authors, entirely new to me, whose work I’ve enjoyed in 2017.

I like finding fresh voices. Sometimes, for some odd reason, some authors fly underneath my radar during previous years, and I find myself embarrassed for ignoring them so long (*ahem* Jacqueline Woodson, Becky Albertalli, Libby Bray). However, I rectify the situation by seeing the error of my myopic ways. Some debut authors (e.g. Angie Thomas) build complex tales that you cannot help but turn groupie for them.

Make no mistake. They’re all female writers. I’ve mentioned my bias towards reading female authors, preferring them to the overextended male voice in literature. Often, in my experience, I’ve found more emotion, description, and journeys within their marginalized voices, unlike the cliched male voice pining for yet another coming of age or action-packed thriller.

I’m unbelievably proud of the strong work these women presented in 2017. I’ve read all these examples of their work and I cannot strive enough why you should read them.

I’m expecting more work from these women. Their stories and styles deserve more time in the spotlight. Give them a shot. Their words shall enthrall you.

As with a new year, I await a new batch of authors whose work I’ve had the pleasure of reading for the first time, and hopefully, subsequent years to come. Two or three adjectives describing the author’s work follow their names to pinpoint what I enjoy most about their books.

Shall we begin?