From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Still Life: A Novel by Sarah Winman (Putnam, $27, 9780593330753). "This is one of those books that captured my heart and would not let go--the characters will stay with you for a long time. A makeshift family story covering several decades is beautifully developed and oh so funny and tender." --Jude Sales, Readers' Books, Sonoma, Calif.
The Perishing: A Novel by Natashia Deón (Counterpoint, $26, 9781640093027). "Reading The Perishing feels like falling through a shimmering kaleidoscope of stories that, when pieced together, tell the past, present, and future of an immortal soul. It makes me excited for the future of literature." --Caroline Barbee, Friendly City Books, Columbus, Miss.
Paperback
All the Feels: A Novel by Olivia Dade (Avon, $15.99, 9780063005587). "A famous 'troublesome' actor is saddled by his showrunners with a minder to keep him out of trouble. But the more time they spend together, they less they want to be apart. This slow-burn romance will especially appeal to fans of nerdy pop culture." --Stefani Kelley, The Book Nook, Brenham, Tex.
For Ages 3 to 7
Gladys the Magic Chicken by Adam Rubin, illus. by Adam Rex (Putnam, $18.99, 9780593325605). "A perfect combination of silly and profound. Is Gladys magic, or do the humans who believe in her make their own magic? Follow Gladys's roundabout journey through a slightly less than historical version of ancient times and no matter what your age, you will believe, or just have a good time." --Anmiryam Budner, Main Point Books, Wayne, Pa.
For Ages 8 to 12: An Indies Introduce Title
Manu: A Graphic Novel by Kelly Fernández (Graphix, $24.99, 9781338264197). "Manu is a very different kind of kid at her all-girls magic school. Her talents are unpredictable, and she's quick to anger. As she starts to discover why, readers will relate to the many emotions and frustrations of growing up and feeling like you don't fit in. I loved Manu!" --Suzanna Hermans, Oblong Books & Music, Millerton, N.Y.
For Teen Readers
Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre by Brandy Colbert (Balzer + Bray, $19.99, 9780063056664). "A captivating book that not only teaches readers about the Tulsa Race Massacre but also looks at the bigger picture of what is the United States. Filled with history centered around different racial communities, the book does justice to those who did not learn certain history lessons in traditional educational institutions." --Melissa Silvester, Boogie Down Books, Bronx, N.Y.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
