IndieBound: Other Indie Favorites

From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:

Hardcover
Mercies in Disguise: A Story of Hope, a Family's Genetic Destiny, and the Science That Rescued Them by Gina Kolata (St. Martin's Press, $25.99, 9781250064349). "This is the tale of a family that has shown remarkable strength in the face of adversity. Kolata does a wonderful job showing us the Baxleys' joy and heartbreak by chronicling their decisions, their doubts, their fears; the decision to be genetically tested for a devastating illness seemed agonizing and the consequences of living with the outcome even more so. The strength shown by Amanda and the Baxley family made this one of the most amazing stories that I have ever had the privilege to read. I thank them for sharing their story with me; it was truly inspirational." --Austin Wheeling-Goodson, Burry Bookstore, Hartsville, S.C.

Girl in Disguise: A Novel by Greer Macallister (Sourcebooks Landmark, $25.99, 9781492635222). "'I'm a resourceful and strong young woman, there is no other option.' That's the concept behind Greer Macallister's telling of the real, honest-to-goodness life of Kate Warne, the first female Pinkerton detective. Kate is a widow with no money and no honest prospects, and she is desperate. Her unconventional upbringing taught her flexibility, and, spotting Pinkerton's ad, she won't take no for an answer. She is hired as an agent and, having proved her value, is soon hiring and training more female agents and serving as a spy as the U.S. prepares to split apart. Girl in Disguise is a delight: entertaining and a sure nonstop read." --Becky Milner, Vintage Books, Vancouver, Wash.

Paperback
Sweetbitter: A Novel by Stephanie Danler (Vintage, $16, 9781101911860). "Sweetbitter has bite. Our heroine, Tess, moves from nowhere to New York, where her life is going to officially begin. Yes, she's had a childhood and been to college, but none of that counts. Nothing starts counting until she crosses the river and starts working at a restaurant downtown. While she's there, she falls in love and obsession, she finds a life, and starts to find herself. The writing is sharp, and the story is fierce and electric, like you have to read carefully or you might hurt yourself. Even still, I could not stop." --Tyler Goodson, Avid Bookshop, Athens, Ga.

For Ages 4 to 8
Tidy by Emily Gravett (Simon & Schuster, $17.99, 9781481480192). "Perfect for Earth Day, this fun picture book shows just what can happen when Badger takes tidying up just a bit too far. Between the ungroomed foxes, untidy birds, messy leaves, and dirty, dirty mud, Badger just isn't happy until the forest is perfect and desolate and barren. But when his belly begins to rumble from the lack of nuts and berries, he sets his priorities straight and learns to care for the forest just as it is." --Angie Tally, The Country Bookshop, Southern Pines, N.C.

For Ages 9 to 12
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl: Squirrel Meets World by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale (Marvel Press, $13.99, 9781484781548). "I really enjoyed this book. It is a great middle reader for all kids but it's especially empowering for girls. There are many funny scenes portrayed in this story: a posse of squirrels that adore babies, an urban legend, LARPers, and many, many conversations between the reader and Squirrel Girl herself. This newfangled superhero is all heart--well, heart and bushy tail--and her adventures are fantastic." --Dwi Grandison, Hockessin Bookshelf, Hockessin, De.

For Teen Readers
A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi (St. Martin's Griffin, $18.99, 9781250085498). "A battle-ready princess and clever prince are offered the opportunity to compete for wishes they desperately need. With the tricky god of fortune in charge, though, the only guarantee is a story full of twists and turns. Full of challenges, riddles, and magic, A Crown of Wishes delivers the same lush world-building and beautiful storytelling as Chokshi's debut novel, A Star-Touched Queen. Readers will be transported to a world of myth and legend, where no one is who they seem and nothing matters but the story." --Shelby Daniel-Wayman, Fair Isle Books, Lombard, Ill.

[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]

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