VN expert here lol
Katawa Shoujo was an American-made basic "dating-sim" type visual novel, which focused more on the relationships with each of the girls than an overarching story. If you like that type of game, any of KEY's games would work (Kanon and Clannad are fully translated), as well as Sharin no Kuni, Himawari no Shoujo (Wheel Country, Sunflower Girl).
However, if you like a great story bundled with your romance like I do, there are some great places to start.
Fate/stay night is widely considered a must-play in the VN community. Even if you've seem the anime, you owe it to yourself to try it out. It's much better.
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni and Umineko no Naku Koro ni are two of my favorite visual novels. They are mysteries with more than a hint of the supernatural/fantasy genre. They also feature no choices and no routes--you just go through the story. Mystery/detective novels happen to be my favorite, so I particularly enjoy G-Senjou no Maou and Kara no Shoujo as well.
Ever17 is widely considered to be one of the greatest visual novels of all time, mostly due to its absolutely insane, mind-twisting finale. I couldn't think straight for at least three days after playing it.
Anything by Nitroplus is a good bet, though I wouldn't recommend them for first timers, because they tend to feature gratuitous blood and gore and general darkness. However, if that's what you're looking for, jump right into Saya no Uta, Demonbane, Chaos;Head, or Steins;Gate.
All of what I've mentioned are translated.
Honestly, when selecting a VN, just go with whatever sounds good. Use the website
vndb.org to keep track of the most popular and highest rated visual novels, including all of the ones mentioned here. Lurk a bit. Make a list of ones you've played and want to play if you like. You'll find some great stuff in the process, I know it.