From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Leave Me: A Novel by Gayle Forman (Algonquin, $26.95, 9781616206178). "Filled with poignant, heartwarming insights into the incessant demands of marriage and motherhood, Leave Me brilliantly shows readers that sometimes you really do have to run away from it all in order to discover what really matters. In her adult debut, Forman provides a frank and moving story about losing and finding yourself by embracing the power of forgiveness, the inevitability of growth, and the stubbornness of love." --Anderson McKean, Page and Palette, Fairhope, Ala.
The Fortunes: A Novel by Peter Ho Davies (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $27, 9780544263703). "At a time of talk about building walls and isolationism, Davies offers a look at American history through the lives of a group of people who have helped to forge this nation--Chinese-Americans. Davies presents characters for whom the American dream is as elusive or as real as it would be to any others. Set in the California Gold Rush, 1930s Hollywood, and the present day, Davies' tale is artfully told with passion and conviction, and readers will empathize fully with each generation of 'outsiders.' " --Jessie Martin, Nicola's Books, Ann Arbor, Mich,
Paperback
Pancakes in Paris: Living the American Dream in France by Craig Carlson (Sourcebooks, $15.99, 9781492632122). "Pancakes and Paris make for a winning combination in this charming memoir. Readers will cheer for Carlson as he follows his dream of opening a restaurant in another country. He faces many challenges, but perseveres until he reaches his goal. Thanks to Carlson it is now possible to get hearty pancakes and other treats at Breakfast in America, the first American-style diner in Paris. This is a perfect read for armchair travelers or for Francophiles planning their next trip to the City of Light." --Elizabeth Merritt, Titcomb's Bookshop, East Sandwich, Mass.
For Ages 4 to 8
This Is Our Baby, Born Today by Varsha Bajaj, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler (Nancy Paulsen, $16.99, 9780399166846). "Looking for a gift for a new baby? Look no further! This joyful celebration of a new baby's arrival reminds us of the community that supports each child. Bajaj and Wheeler have created a classic picture book for all to share." --Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, Tex.
For Ages 9 to 12
Lucy by Randy Cecil (Candlewick, $19.99, 9780763668082). "This new book from Cecil has all the charm and energy of an early black-and-white movie. Organized into four acts, the main actors are Lucy, a little street dog; Eleanor, the girl who feeds her scraps each morning; and Eleanor's father, Sam, who must overcome his stage fright to succeed as a juggler on the vaudeville stage. Precise repetition of actions and reactions give the story clear beats, and readers will enjoy finding tiny changes in Cecil's camera-lens illustrations. An excellent choice for fans of dogs, juggling, and dreams coming true." --Cecilia Cackley, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, Va.
For Teen Readers: Revisit & Rediscover
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart (Disney-Hyperion, $9.99, 9780786838196). Originally published in 2009. "This is one of my all-time favorite books! Funny, subversive, and smart, it is about a girl who infiltrates the boys-only private school club she is excluded from, which neither her boyfriend nor her father will tell her about because she's a girl. Frankie is gutsy, stays true to herself, and uses her wits to become an amazing kick-butt heroine for any girl asking, 'What do you mean I can't do that?' " --René Kirkpatrick, University Book Store, Seattle, Wash.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
