From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Stray City: A Novel by Chelsey Johnson (Custom House, $25.99, 9780062666680). "A coming-of-age story about Andrea, a Midwestern, Catholic, artistic lesbian who escapes her family to try and find herself. After moving to Portland, Oregon, in the '90s, Andrea gets involved in printmaking and music, meets a circle of people she depends upon, experiences a breakup, and finds a new friend. I could not put this novel down once I started it. When I was down to the last 10 pages, I read as slowly as I could, savoring every last word about the people I had come to know in Stray City. Such a good story!" --Nona Camuel, CoffeeTree Books, Morehead, Ky.
Paris by the Book: A Novel by Liam Callanan (Dutton, $26, 9781101986271). "In Paris, there is a bookstore called The Late Edition, where books are shelved geographically, and while readers can find any book by its story's setting, the store's proprietor Leah cannot locate her missing husband and searches for him throughout the city. In Paris by the Book, Paris is equal parts Madeline and The Red Balloon, the children's books that shape Leah's view of the City of Light. I'd compare Callanan's engrossing third novel to The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry and The Little Paris Bookshop, but with its confounding but ultimately loveable heroine, there's a bit of Where'd You Go, Bernadette in the story as well. This captivating novel is filled with rich characters, a twisty plot, a bit of mystery, and a heaping dollop of joie de vivre." --Daniel Goldin, Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, Wis.
Paperback
Miss You: A Novel by Kate Eberlen (Harper, $16.99, 9780062460233). "Tess and Gus first cross paths in Florence as 18-year-olds with their futures stretching ahead of them. Back in England, they live their lives oblivious to all the near-misses and chances they have to encounter one another again. The meandering way their lives circle each other is charming rather than frustrating, but the heart of this book lies in the choices Tess and Gus make as their lives unfold in ways neither anticipated. Exceptionally poignant and filled with relatable and deeply human characters, this is a thoughtful story about how you can never quite guess what life has in store for you--and maybe that's for the best." --Kelly O'Sullivan, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison, Conn.
For Ages 4 to 8
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld (Dial, $17.99, 9780735229358). "The Rabbit Listened is the story of a toddler who is stumped by the collapse of their play block tower. A number of animals offer Taylor solace and support, but when the child relates the whole incident and ideas for revenge or rebuilding, the fact that somebody simply listens and hears is most inspiring." --Jilleen Moore, Square Books, Oxford, Miss.
For Ages 9 to 12
Until Tomorrow, Mr. Marsworth by Sheila O'Connor (Putnam, $16.99, 9780399161933). "Set during the summer of 1968, a profound relationship develops between Mr. Marsworth, an elderly recluse (and draft dodger), and Reenie Kelly, the young girl who delivers his newspaper. Reenie is trying to save her older brother from being drafted, and through written correspondence seeks Mr. Marsworth's help. There are numerous threads to this story, stunning secrets revealed, and various perspectives on the Vietnam War represented. All of the characters are well-drawn, distinct, and memorable, plus there are very provocative, discussion-worthy themes." --Mark Adam, Mrs. Nelson's Book Fair Company, Pomona, Calif.
For Teen Readers
Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston (Balzer+Bray, $17.99, 9780062652850). "The perfect way to sum up this action-packed, heart-wrenching, and humorous book that came out of Ashley Poston's dark and dastardly brain is Anastasia meets Firefly. From the first page, there is action and adventure, with plenty of laughs, gasps, and sighs mixed in. By the end of the book, you will want--and need--more. Seriously." --Renee Becher, Old Firehouse Books, Fort Collins, Colo.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
