Book List

Guardian First Book Award Contenders

FICTION

WHEN GOD WAS A RABBIT

by Sarah Winman

A freshly rendered tale of growing up and living in the world by a late-starting author with a bright future. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

THRILLER & SUSPENSE

BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP

by S. J. Watson

Watson’s pitch-perfect writing propels the story to a frenzied climax that will haunt readers long after they’ve closed the... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

MENNONITE IN A LITTLE BLACK DRESS

by Rhoda Janzen

A buoyant, somewhat mordant ramble through triumphs, upheavals and utter normalcy. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

HARLEM IS NOWHERE

by Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts

A highly informative though rarely analytical take on one of America’s most thriving cultural communities. See Jonathan... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

THE EVOLUTION OF BRUNO LITTLEMORE

by Benjamin Hale

A less splendid debut than the hype would suggest, but a book of considerable merit all the same—and of high entertainment... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

PAO

by Kerry Young

Young leads from the heart (her father served as a model for Pao) to celebrate a resilient world that tourists never see.... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

VACLAV & LENA

by Haley Tanner

This debut novel by Brooklynite Tanner about the inarticulateness of young love was preempted at the Frankfurt Book Fair,... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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