From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover: An Indies Introduce Title
Nine Shiny Objects: A Novel by Brian Castleberry (Custom House, $27.99, 9780062984395). "This debut novel is a puzzle worth working out--don't give up! Castleberry cleverly entwines nine characters over 50 years--a tribute to America as we struggle to 'become enlightened' while at the same time understand those who reject new ideas. This book will make you think, work through the characters, and come out with a complex but beautiful story describing the American movement since 1947. Assume nothing about this book--or even its title. It's beautiful!" --Kappy Kling, HearthFire Books, Evergreen, Colo.
Hardcover: An Indies Introduce Title
The Beauty in Breaking: A Memoir by Michele Harper (Riverhead, $27, 9780525537380). "This memoir is a fascinating examination of a life dedicated to helping others, and an illuminating, up-close view of what happens in emergency rooms. Moments of profound human connection exist alongside confrontations with dangerous and erratic patients, overzealous police demands, a lack of resources, and bureaucratic barriers. And the author's perspective as one of few African American female ER doctors is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the profession." --Mary Williams, Skylight Books, Los Angeles, Calif.
Paperback
The Editor: A Novel by Steven Rowley (Putnam, $17, 9780525537984). "Steven Rowley's new novel is exactly the balm I needed in today's climate. Focusing on a young writer who discovers that his editor is none other than Jackie Kennedy Onassis, the book explores both romantic and familial relationships in a humorous and touching manner. Although the writing is wickedly barbed and the zingers fly at the speed of a 1940s rom-com, The Editor is so much more. There is real heart in the writing as well as real love between the characters. It's a true delight and the kind of book people who loved Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine or Less will truly enjoy. Just be prepared with a box of tissues and your favorite cocktail (Jackie would suggest daiquiris)." --William Carl, Wellesley Books, Wellesley, Mass.
For Ages 4 to 8
Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago (Candlewick, $16.99, 9781536211146). "I want to be Gustavo's friend! This shy ghost would like for someone to be his friend, if only he could bring himself to appear and talk to someone! Flavia Z. Drago's beautiful illustrations help tell such a wonderful story." --Clarissa Hadge, Trident Booksellers & Café, Boston, Mass.
For Ages 9 to 12
Something to Say by Lisa Moore Ramée (Balzer + Bray, $16.99, 9780062836717). "Speaking up about changing a school's name may sound like a dry topic, but under Lisa Moore's Ramée's deft hand, the reader is thrown into the middle of an important topic as seen through the eyes of one of the shyest activists they'll ever confront. I loved this warm book of social justice and heart!" --Jennifer Kraar, City of Asylum Bookstore, Pittsburgh, Pa.
For Teen Readers: An Indies Introduce Title
Stay Gold by Tobly McSmith (HarperTeen, $18.99, 9780062943170). "Pony and Georgia will steal your heart in this gentle gem of an #OwnVoices contemporary young adult novel about a transgender teen who wants his body to match his identity and the girl who slowly but steadily falls for him. Stay Gold is one of those rare novels that reads easily and has comic romantic appeal, but punches hard realism into your gut. Reminiscent of the nuanced storytelling in K.A. Holt's Redwood and Ponytail, the novel is both accessible and humorous, yet deeply moving and emotional as Pony and Georgia balance being true to themselves with the often-destructive expectations of family and friends. Hopeful, heartfelt, and very needed." --Joy Preble, Brazos Bookstore, Houston, Tex.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
