The Best Debut Novels of 2023 (So Far)

SUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Thao Thai discusses her multigenerational debut novel, Banyan Moon, a Vietnamese tale that transports readers. We also discuss the best debut novels of 2023.We are celebrating the best debut novels of 2023 (so far) with debut novelist Thao Thai, author of Banyan Moon, on Book Gang today. Set against the stunning backdrop of Vietnam and Florida, Banyan Moon will be one of your favorite reads this year. This emotional debut novel follows three generations of Vietnamese American women grappling with the death of their matriarch, Minh. As they begin clearing out the sprawling Banyan House, they unravel long-buried secrets about themselves and each other.  In today’s interview, we discuss what elements of Thao's personal story made their way into this multigenerational legacy story that spans decades and generations, shedding light on the unique bonds of motherhood. Thao shares her family's intriguing history, from surprisingly sentimental heirlooms to the Vietnamese folk tales woven into this story's threads. We also discuss the complicated journey of writing mother-daughter relationships and what details were crucial in capturing the motherhood journey. I’m excited to share this Thao Thai interview with you and celebrate her beautiful publishing journey.Since this was one of my favorite debuts of the year, Thao joins me in conversation about some of the best debuts published in 2023. I share some trivia about two of her favorite books and bring a couple of my favorites (so far) to round out this stack. We would also like to congratulate Thao Thai on being selected as the Read With Jenna Book Club July 2023 selection! BONUS BOOK LIST ALERT! Take advantage of today's bonus book list! I've compiled a complete list of all the best debuts I've read in 2023. It was a fun reading assignment, and I have so many to share with you today!  Meet Thao ThaiThao Thai lives in Ohio with her husband and daughter. Her work has been published in the Los Angeles Review of Books, WIRED, Sunday Long Read, Catapult, and other publications. She received her MFA from The Ohio State University and her MA from The University of Chicago. Banyan Moon is her first novel. Mentioned in this episode:Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including our monthly FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 2023 MomAdvice Summer Reading GuideMomAdvice Book ClubThe Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt CainThe Secret Life of Albert Entwistle Book ChatThe Best Debuts of 2023 to Not Miss BONUS BOOK LISTBanyan Moon by Thao ThaiTanya Ho DesignThe RinglingCupcakes and CashmereCup of JoBefore and After the Book Deal by Courtney MaumMexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-GarciaDid You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith PaulExclusive Crystal Smith Paul InterviewMaybe Next Time by Cesca MajorThe Best Life Lessons From Time Travel Books (Cesca Major podcast episode)The Wishing Game by Meg ShafferThe Best Escapist Books Set on Islands (Meg Shaffer podcast episode)The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’DonoghueHula by Jasmin Iolani HakesWhat Lies Behind the Postcard: Jasmin Iolani Hakes on the New Meaning of Summer ReadingSunshine Nails by Mai NguyenNot So PrettyWeyward by Emilia HartEmilia Hart: “If it doesn’t convince you as the writer, it won’t convince the reader."BONUS LIST:  BEST DEBUTS OF 2023 Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and give a matching 10% to independent bookstores.Connect With Us:Connect with Thao on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, on TikTok, or MomAdviceJoin the MomAdvice Book ClubShop Our Bookish Shirts to support the showBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)