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The Barnes & Noble Discover Prize

Shining a spotlight on new authors that may be flying under your radar, our Discover Prize celebrates standout books that deserve to be discovered by readers. A few of our past winners include Maggie; or, A Man and a Woman Walk into a Bar, Swift River, The Berry Pickers and The Rabbit Hutch.

Discover Prize Debut Author Prize Winner Shop Now
Discover Prize Debut Author Prize Winner Shop Now

A Darkly Humorous Look at Women’s Roles in the Modern World

Yesteryear (GMA Book Club Pick)

Yesteryear (GMA Book Club Pick)

By Caro Claire Burke

When a tradwife influencer finds herself in an alternate universe from another century, a darkly hilarious story unfolds. This electrifying debut novel about the unraveling of a lifestyle influencer is a sharp commentary on family, faith and fame.

$25.00
$30.00
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A Family Saga for the Twenty-First Century

Lost Lambs: A Novel

Lost Lambs: A Novel

By Madeline Cash

The Flynn family is facing the fallout from an open marriage as rumors and secrets swirl through their small coastal town in this addictive, quick-witted novel that chronicles the relatable ups and downs of family life

$28.00
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What Choices Would You Make if You Thought Your Life Was on the Line?

Seek Immediate Shelter: A Novel

Seek Immediate Shelter: A Novel

By Vincent Yu

After a false alarm causes a town to spiral into chaos and confusion, the community confronts the harsh truths of their panicked decisions in this clever, thought-provoking story of survival, loyalty and betrayal that was inspired by real events.

$25.99
$28.99
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Friendship, Chaos and Loss Haunt the East Village

Waiting on a Friend: A Novel

Waiting on a Friend: A Novel

By Natalie Adler

After her best friend passes away, a woman searches for meaning, closure and his spirit in this unforgettable story set against the backdrop of New York City during the AIDS epidemic

$25.00
$28.00
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Tender Hearts, Buried Secrets, Second Chances

The Golden Boy

The Golden Boy

By Patricia Finn

Returning to his quiet Canadian hometown, a former Hollywood executive must finally confront a long-buried secret to build a brighter future. Sly, deeply funny and tender, this is a novel you’ll want to share with everyone you know.

$26.00
$29.00
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An Inspiring Novel of Acceptance and Hope

Upward Bound (Read with Jenna Pick)

Upward Bound (Read with Jenna Pick)

By Woody Brown

Discover Upward Bound, a center for disabled adults, complete with a cast of eclectic patients and their overworked caretakers. Offering unique perspectives from complex characters, Woody Brown intricately weaves delicate storylines with empathy and warmth.

$25.00
$28.00
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Presenting Our 2026 Discover Prize Finalists

Presenting Our 2026 Discover Prize Finalists

By Nina Braca|June 5, 2026
Our Discover Prize aims to celebrate debut authors who put out exceptional, thought-provoking stories that stick with readers. After months of debate and deliberation, our booksellers from across the country are ecstatic to present this year's finalists.
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What If?: A Guest Post by Woody Brown

What If?: A Guest Post by Woody Brown

By Woody Brown|March 31, 2026
Discover Upward Bound, a center for disabled adults, complete with a cast of eclectic patients and their overworked caretakers. Offering unique perspectives from complex characters, Woody Brown intricately weaves delicate storylines with empathy and warmth, delivering an inspiring novel of acceptance and hope. Read on for an exclusive essay from Woody on writing Upward Bound. […]
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Seek Immediate Shelter: A Guest Post by Vincent Yu

Seek Immediate Shelter: A Guest Post by Vincent Yu

By Isabelle McConville|May 18, 2026
After a false alarm causes a town to spiral into chaos and confusion, the community confronts the harsh truths of their panicked decisions in this clever, thought-provoking story of survival, loyalty and betrayal that was inspired by real events. Read on for an exclusive essay from author Vincent Yu on writing Seek Immediate Shelter.
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Poured Over: Caro Claire Burke on Yesteryear

Poured Over: Caro Claire Burke on Yesteryear

By Isabelle McConville|April 7, 2026
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke is a witty, dark debut about a tradwife social media influencer. Caro joins us to talk about likable characters, performance, social media, traditional living, surveillance and more with cohost Jenna Seery.
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Poured Over: Patricia Finn on The Golden Boy

Poured Over: Patricia Finn on The Golden Boy

By Isabelle McConville|March 10, 2026
The Golden Boy by Patricia Finn is a deeply funny and tender novel following a former Hollywood executive who must finally confront a long-buried secret to build a brighter future. Patricia joins us to talk about ghostwriting, hope, voice, boundaries, Aristotle, connection and more with cohost Isabelle McConville. This episode of Poured Over was hosted […]
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Poured Over: Madeline Cash on Lost Lambs

Poured Over: Madeline Cash on Lost Lambs

By Isabelle McConville|February 6, 2026
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash is a witty and wry story centered on the enigmatic and ever-entertaining Flynn family. Madeline joins us to talk about world building, puns, humor, character and more with cohost Isabelle McConville. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Isabelle McConville and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays […]
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Poured Over: Natalie Adler on Waiting on a Friend

Poured Over: Natalie Adler on Waiting on a Friend

By Isabelle McConville|May 26, 2026
Waiting on a Friend by Natalie Adler is a big-hearted, tender and hilarious story about love, ghosts, and community. Natalie joins us to talk about New York City, the 1980s, nostalgia, boundaries, hope and more with host Miwa Messer.
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The Discover Prize shortlist is a new prize that celebrates the very best new authors, elevating the joy of spotting fresh voices early on in their careers. Barnes & Noble booksellers have been reading hundreds of debut authors to narrow down to the six books that make up this years shortlist. Spanning historical fiction, works of mind-bending realities and harsh truths, equal parts painstakingly tragic and beautiful - these stories have permanently imprinted into our hearts, minds and bookshelves.