From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
A Thing of Beauty: Travels in Mythical and Modern Greece by Peter Fiennes (Oneworld, $27.95, 9780861540617). "I really enjoyed this mashup of travel writing, musings on Greek mythology, and thoughts about climate change and its effect on our world. Fiennes drew me in with his study of Lord Byron and from there I was happy to pop in on his travels." --Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks, Winston-Salem, N.C.
The Churchill Sisters: The Extraordinary Lives of Winston and Clementine's Daughters by Rachel Trethewey (St. Martin's Press, $29.99, 9781250272393). "A meticulously researched biography of the daughters of one of the greatest statesmen of the 20th century. I greatly enjoyed learning about each of his children and their relationships with their father and their mother, Clementine." --Sarah Danforth, Towne Book Center & Café, Collegeville, Pa.
Paperback
True Crime Story: A Novel by Joseph Knox (Sourcebooks Landmark, $16.99, 9781728245867). "True Crime Story is a riveting work of fiction that reads like a guilty pleasure tabloid. When a struggling writer delves into a mystery, she finds all involved have something to hide. A great twisty thriller where nothing is as it seems." --Mary O'Malley, Skylark Bookshop, Columbia, Mo.
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
Orphans of the Tide by Struan Murray (HarperCollins, $17.99, 9780063043114). "An exciting, adventurous mystery and a touching story about family, memory, and trust--it will take you on a wild ride through a bustling, strange city full of secrets and danger with an amazing main character you'll love from the start." --Alissa Hugel, Folio Books, San Francisco, Calif.
For Teen Readers: An Indies Introduce Title
The Keeper of Night by Kylie Lee Baker (Inkyard Press, $18.99, 9781335405661). "This 1890s historical fantasy about a half British Reaper, half Japanese Shinigami soul collector is delightfully fresh, dark, thrilling, and immersive, seamlessly weaving magic, mythology, and adventure with a profound exploration of biracial identity, racism, belonging, resilience, and courage. Sequel now, please!" --Alyssa Raymond, Copper Dog Books, Beverly, Mass.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
