From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Like Happiness: A Novel by Ursula Villarreal-Moura (Celadon, $28, 9781250882837). "With fantastic prose and a compelling story and protagonist, Like Happiness grabbed my attention from page one and never let go. I cannot wait to follow Ursula Villarreal-Moura's career; I know I will eagerly read anything she writes!" --Christine Bollow, Loyalty Bookstores, Washington, D.C.
Worry: A Novel by Alexandra Tanner (Scribner, $27, 9781668018613). "Insidious millennial malaise and the exhaustion of performative activism are contrasted through the story of two sisters who overstay their welcome in one another's orbit. The dialogue will split you, gut you, and stitch you back up again." --Kyle Rea, Greenlight Bookstore, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Paperback: An Indies Introduce Title
Women! In! Peril!: Stories by Jessie Ren Marshall (Bloomsbury, $17.99, 9781639732272). "Women! In! Peril! is a sharply written, eclectically bizarre collection that starts with a bang and ends in tender tears, and everything in-between. A fantastic debut from an author to watch out for!" --Jessie Wright, Copper Dog Books, Beverly, Mass.
Ages 2 to 6
The Cat Who Couldn't Be Bothered by Jack Kurland (Frances Lincoln Children's Books, $18.99, 9780711287457). "What a cute and adorable cat with a message about feelings and honesty. Children love cats and they are a great messenger for teaching lessons. We can all relate to this cat!" --Clark Buckmaster, The Taleless Dog, Booksellers, Berea, Ky.
Ages 8 to 12
Next Stop: A Graphic Novel by Debbie Fong (Random House Graphic, $13.99, 9780593425183). "Next Stop is an endearing graphic novel that made me laugh out loud on one page, then tear up on the next. Fong's ability to discuss grief and loss without sacrificing charm makes Next Stop a must read for children and adults." --Dominic Smith, Underbrush Books, Rogers, Ark.
Teen Readers: An Indies Introduce Title
How the Boogeyman Became a Poet by Tony Keith, Jr. (Katherine Tegen, $19.99, 9780063296008). "This affirming memoir in verse walks the reader through the beautiful journey of being honest with yourself and fostering community. This book is for anyone trying to put the puzzle pieces of life together, but feel like they are missing just one piece." --Maryan Liban, Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers, Columbus, Ohio
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
