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 Chalk Man: A Novel by C.J. Tudor (Crown, $27, 9781524760984). "The Chalk Man by C.J. Tudor is an unusually gripping mystery reminiscent of Arthur Conan Doyle's story 'The Adventure of the Dancing Men.' It is amazingly well-written, and the pace does not let up, from the shocking beginning all the way through to the unsettling ending. This suspenseful page-turner is definitely a cut above and will keep you riveted. Highly recommended!" --Margo Conklin, Brown University Bookstore, Providence, R.I.
This Could Hurt: A Novel by Jillian Medoff (Harper, $26.99, 9780062660763). "Who knew that a novel about a faltering company's HR department could be so gripping and compassionate? Anyone who has worked in a company with other people will appreciate the resentments, friendships, and competitions that develop in a long-time team. Medoff does a great job of making the reader care about each and every character." --Susan Taylor, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany N.Y.
Paperback
Neon in Daylight: A Novel by Hermione Hoby (Catapult, $16.95, 9781936787753). "There are plenty of novels about hedonistic young people, washed-up alcoholic writers, or aimless academics struggling to find themselves. Few of them are written with the intelligence, freshness, honesty, style, observational eye, and command of language on display in Hermione Hoby's impressive debut, Neon in Daylight. As the lives of the three main characters (and a cat named Joni Mitchell) converge against the backdrop of a lonely, doomed, and dying downtown New York City, you'll find yourself missing your bus stop because you cannot put down this book." --Nadine Vassallo, Book Soup, West Hollywood, Calif.
For Ages 4 to 8
Edie Is Ever So Helpful by Sophy Henn (Philomel, $16.99, 9780399548062). "I always enjoy Sophy Henn's sweet characters and bright use of color. Like many kiddos, Edie is a little bit over the top sometimes. Kids and parents will recognize themselves in Edie Is Ever So Helpful and be delighted by the story!" --Johanna Albrecht, Flyleaf Books, Chapel Hill, N.C.
For Ages 9 to 12: An Indies Introduce Title
Just Like Jackie by Lindsey Stoddard (HarperCollins, $16.99, 9780062652911). "Robinson loves her grandfather more than anything, even more than her three favorite things: baseball, fixing cars, and making maple syrup. Her grandfather is the only family she has, or so she believes, until a school project makes Robinson rethink what family really means. Robinson is a little girl with a giant spirit and personality who just wants to live up to her namesake, Jackie Robinson. This sweet story is a home run in my eyes." --Holly Alexander, The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, Winnetka, Ill.
For Teen Readers
Gunslinger Girl by Lyndsay Ely (Jimmy Patterson, $17.99, 9780316555104). "Serendipity Jones is the best marksman in her family, only because her mother is dead. While fleeing a forced marriage and an abusive father, she finds herself as the newest act in the Theatre Vespertine in the lawless border town of Cessation. With themes of climate change, dystopias, civil war, and the nature of justice, vengeance, and protection, Gunslinger Girl is a fabulous blend of Western and thriller. Pity has amazing gumption and I love how she questions her own principles as well as those around her--even in the face of destruction. With a glittering supporting cast of mobsters, politicians, and circus performers, Gunslinger Girl truly can't miss." --Jessica Hahl, Country Bookshelf, Bozeman, Mont.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
