October 10, 2024 (press release) –
The Prize Celebrates the Best New Writers Published This Year
New York, NY – October 9, 2024 – Today Barnes & Noble announces its Discover Prize finalists, the six most exceptional debut novels published in 2024. For decades, Barnes & Noble booksellers have been at the forefront of championing up-and-coming authors, propelling many to bestseller status through their passionate recommendations. In an extremely robust publishing year, B&N booksellers across the country have read hundreds of new authors to narrow down to the six books that make up the shortlist.
“One of the best parts of being a bookseller is identifying and elevating debut voices that will go on to become part of the canon,” said Lexie Smyth, Category Manager for Fiction, Barnes & Noble. “This shortlist of finalists for the Discover Prize is the result of many lively, impassioned conversations among my colleagues, and the six novels selected represent authors who are well on their way to becoming household names. We are so grateful to these authors for their brilliant work and are so proud to put this list forward for our readers.”
Stories about addiction and art, desire and fulfillment and finding oneself; of familial bonds that transcend blood; of defying fate in search of love; about the truth that lies beneath the stories we tell and those that are told about us — these debut novels are the ones that most impressed the booksellers of Barnes & Noble this year. In the coming weeks, these six titles will be voted on by Barnes & Noble booksellers nationwide. The 2024 Discover Prize Winner will be announced on October 21st during a live event held in the bookseller’s Upper West Side location.
“Our booksellers had countless debuts to comb through, savor, and ultimately narrow down for this year’s list,” said Shannon DeVito, Senior Director of Books, Barnes & Noble. “The competition was fierce, and we’ve landed on a wonderfully dynamic final selection ranging from poetic historical fiction to pop modern hilarity. The talent of these writers is palpable and we’re excited to celebrate each and every one of them.”
Presenting the 2024 Barnes & Noble Discover Prize Shortlist:
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
“The most tender, hopeful and funny novel I read this year. The poetic language drew me in from the first page, and as soon as I reached the end, I was ready to start over again.” — Tara S., Bookseller, Nashville, TN
Pearly Everlasting by Tammy Armstrong
“A magical journey, told in a lush and vibrant voice, that had me in awe of a beautiful, if unconventional, pair of siblings, and the natural world that surrounds them.” — Katie V., Bookseller, Union Beach, NJ
Swift River by Essie Chambers
“Essie Chambers weaves a tapestry of family, race, and the secrets of a small town. At the center of it all is Diamond, one of the most unforgettable characters I’ve read all year.” — Kevin R., Bookseller, Houston, TX
888 Love and the Divine Burden of Numbers by Abraham Chang
“This is an entertaining-as-hell debut about the coming-of-age search for love and meaning via family, friendships, education and, especially, pop culture. The result feels universal and entirely relatable to anyone who navigated heartbreak, obsessions, insecurities and inner demons while growing up.” — Dean B., Bookseller, Los Angeles, CA
Piglet by Lottie Hazell
“Lottie Hazell lives in the same literary world as Rachel Kushner, Odessa Moshfegh, and Miranda July: full of wit, honesty, and a seemingly effortless coolness.” — Marc C., Bookseller, West Chester, OH
Whale Fall by Elizabeth O’Connor
“This novel shimmers with beautiful language and stark imagery, transporting us in time and space. It’s like living in a beautiful painting and discovering something to admire with every stroke.” — Florencia C., Bookseller, Bozeman, MT
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