From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next picks:
Hardcover
The Walking People by Mary Beth Keane (Houghton, $25, 9780547126524/0547126522). "As a child in her beloved Ireland, Greta Cahill is so awkward she's called 'Goose.' In her new home of America, she blossoms into a young woman of self-worth, finding love and family. While she longs to return to Ireland, a secret from her former life prevents the trip back, until her children decide to reunite her two lives, much to Greta's fear. Mary Beth Keane has given us an impressive debut novel."--Kathleen Creamer, Maine Coast Book Shop, Damariscotta, Me.
I'm Down: A Memoir by Mishna Wolff (St. Martin's, $23.95, 9780312378554/0312378556). "Mishna Wolff's father totally immersed himself and his daughters in black culture. (They are totally white.) Her memoir tells of her trials trying to please her father and stay afloat in different worlds. You will not stop reading I'm Down once you have read the first page."--Judith Lafitte, Octavia Books, New Orleans, La.
Paperback
Nikolski: A Novel by Nicolas Dickner, translated by Lazer Lederhendler (Trumpeter, $14.95, 9781590307144/1590307143). "Unaware of each other's existence, two half-siblings and their cousin cross paths in this modern-day, coming-of-age saga set mostly in Montreal. Winner of several prizes in the original French, Nikolski draws you in with sympathetic characters, gentle humor, and vivid prose, all laced with fascinating tidbits of geography and ethnography."--Ilene Traiger, Books on the Common, Ridgefield, Conn.
For Ages 9-12
Also Known As Harper by Ann Haywood Leal (Holt, $16.99, 9780805088816/0805088814). "This achingly realistic and timely novel explores what happens when a family can't make ends meet. A fresh and original character, Harper Lee Morgan keeps writing poems and taking care of her little brother while Mama works. This is a lovely story, guaranteed to evoke both smiles and tears."--Joanne R. Fritz, Chester County Book & Music Company, West Chester, Pa.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
