From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
The Resurrection of Joan Ashby: A Novel by Cherise Wolas (Flatiron Books, $27.99, 9781250081438). "I've always admired people who knew what they wanted to do from an early age, whether that was to be a doctor, a marine biologist, or a writer. Enter Joan Ashby, a young girl determined never to marry and certainly never to have children; then she does both, and that is when her tale truly begins. Not only are we privy to her life's story, we get to read some of her short stories and parts of her developing novels--the stories within the story, if you will. The only thing any of us know for sure, except for death and taxes, is that the hoped-for path is never straight and never predictable. I flat-out loved this book!" --Anne Holman, The King's English, Salt Lake City, Utah
George and Lizzie: A Novel by Nancy Pearl (Touchstone, $25, 9781501162893). "I don't know Nancy Pearl, but I imagine the beloved librarian turned national book commentator would be too modest to recommend her debut for your reading list, so I'll do it for her. Pearl has written an intelligent, character-driven page-turner that asks important questions about honesty and forgiveness and examines how conscious choices and behaviors strengthen us and our relationships. Raised by brilliant but emotionally detached psychologist parents, Lizzie faces ongoing and often humorous internal battles that ultimately lead to a crossroads in her marriage to George. You may examine your own relationships as you read this witty, kindhearted story. Pearl clearly seems to love the characters she has created. You'll fall for them, too." --Mary Vermillion, Village Books, Bellingham, Wash.
Paperback
The Other Alcott: A Novel by Elise Hooper (Morrow, $15.99, 9780062645333). "The Other Alcott is an imaginative look at May--the youngest sister of Louisa May Alcott--and the relationship between the two siblings. While Louisa's art was created with words, May was a visual artist who hadn't yet hit her stride with painting when Louisa gained fame as the author of Little Women. Readers will be captivated by May's adventures from Concord to Boston and beyond, to Europe, as she grows her talent and is recognized for the artist and the woman--independent of her sister--that she is." --Dawn Rennert, The Concord Bookshop, Concord, Mass.
For Ages 4 to 8
On a Magical Do-Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemagna (HarperCollins, $17.99, 9780062657602). "Sometimes you have big plans for your days off, and sometimes all you want to do is lay around and think. In this beautifully illustrated picture book, you will get a little bit of both. There is adventure, relaxation, peacefulness, and fun waiting to be had in On a Magical Do-Nothing Day." --Meg Hughey, Bookbug, Kalamazoo, Mich.
For Ages 9 to 12
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling (Sterling, $14.95, 9781454923459). "When Aven's parents accept a job running a Wild West theme park, Aven is thrust into a situation that would make anyone uncomfortable. But Aven also has to deal with the stares and curiosity attracted by her lack of arms. Things get interesting when she meets Connor, whose Tourette's also makes him an outcast, and discovers a mystery. A quirky, feel-good middle-grade mystery for those who love R.J. Palacio's Wonder." --Marika McCoola, Porter Square Books, Cambridge, Mass.
For Teen Readers: An Indies Introduce Title
The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F.C. Yee (Amulet, $18.99, 9781419725487). "In The Epic Crush of Genie Lo, competitive overachiever Genie gets sucked into the world of ancient Chinese gods and demons, but she'd rather work on her college applications. But when you've got the strength of the most powerful weapon in the world and the unwanted assistance of a famous reincarnated trickster god, there's no way out of super-powered temper tantrums, hordes of demons on the loose, and maybe even a reluctant romance. Someone has to save the world, and the only person up for it is Genie Lo. Totally badass and completely terrific." --Sami Thomason, Square Books, Oxford, Miss.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
