From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Heft: A Novel by Liz Moore (Norton, $24.95, 9780393081503). "Heft is a novel both heartbreaking and hopeful, with characters who navigate the waters of love and family as if afraid of drowning. Arthur Opp, initially larger-than-life only in the physical sense, emerges as an intelligent and caring man, who the reader eagerly cheers on in his attempts to trust himself and others. Moore's writing hums as she gives voice to those we've chosen not to hear and illuminates those we've chosen not to see." --Dawn Rennert, the Concord Bookshop, Concord, Mass.
The Mirage: A Novel by Matt Ruff (Harper, $25.99, 9780061976223). "Here's another page-turning, mind-reeling masterpiece by Ruff. Imagine a world where the United Arab States is threatened by Christian fundamentalist terrorists, a world where a few good Homeland Security Agents have to fight corruption and conspiracies to protect all they believe in. I predict this is the novel that everyone will be talking about in 2012. And it's not just provocative, it's a darn good read!" --Tegan Tigani, Queen Anne Books, Seattle, Wash.
Paperback
The Anatomy of Ghosts: A Novel by Andrew Taylor (Hyperion, $15.99, 9781401310738). "I was blown away by the novel set in 1780s Cambridge. Filled with intriguing characters, sharp and witty dialogue, and a plot that keeps you guessing, Taylor's novel is a gem. This is a must for historical fiction fans and mystery enthusiasts. Happy reading!" --Ken Favell, Books & Company, Oconomowoc, Wis.
For Teen Readers
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan (St. Martin's Griffin, $17.99, 9780312590567). "Waverly and Kieran are the oldest of their generation on board the Empyrean, one of two starships on a mission to colonize New Earth. The two teens seem destined to marry and become future leaders of the mission, but their peaceful world is shaken to the core when their sister ship, the New Horizon, makes an unprovoked attack, during which every young girl on board is kidnapped and their ship is left crippled. Waverly and Kieran are forced to make choices that will affect not only their own futures but that of the mission and everyone involved. This is a gripping novel with twists and turns that will leave readers eager for the next installment of this planned trilogy." --Sandy Scott, the Galaxy Bookshop, Hardwick, Vt.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
