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 Mermaid of Black Conch: A Novel by Monique Roffey (Knopf, $26, 9780593534205). "Tragedy displaces pain after a curse born of a thousand-year-old jealousy exiles the beautiful Aycayia to a life in the sea. The Mermaid of Black Conch is a modern-day embodiment of our longing for community. Ruthless and beautiful." --Kayleen Rohrer, InkLink Books, East Troy, Wis.
The Boys: A Novel by Katie Hafner (Spiegel & Grau, $27, 9781954118058). "Sometimes a novel just settles into your heart. Such is the case with The Boys. Sweet, heartbreaking, and completely original, this novel by Katie Hafner is wholly unforgettable." --Mary O'Malley, Skylark Bookshop, Columbia, Mo.
Paperback: An Indies Introduce Title
Night of the Living Rez: Stories by Morgan Talty (Tin House, $16.95, 9781953534187). "Night of the Living Rez explores the way the past informs the present, and how each small moment makes a heartbreaking, funny, beautiful life. Talty's characters live and breathe on the page. This book is a celebration of life and language." --Margaret Leonard, Dotters Books, Eau Claire, Wis.
For Ages 4 to 8
A Spoonful of Frogs by Casey Lyall, illus. by Vera Brosgol (Greenwillow, $17.99, 9780062890290). "Grab your witch's hat and your cauldron for a hilarious new picture book sure to make you giggle with impish delight. Frogs not included!" --Jessica Palacios, Once Upon a Time, Montrose, Calif.
For Ages 8 to 12
Lumberjackula by Mat Heagerty, illus. by Sam Owen (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $21.99, 9781534482586). "Oh man this was such a cute graphic novel about a boy torn between two schools--either lumberjack or Vampire--while he doesn't want to disappoint his parents when his real passion is revealed as a dancer." --Stephanie Rivera, Chapter Two... a Bookstore, Lompoc, Calif.
For Teen Readers
Crumbs by Danie Stirling (Clarion, $24.99, 9780358467793). "Crumbs is a delightful graphic novel. I loved the diverse characters and earnest relationships of all kinds. The magical twist was the cherry on top. Great graphics, fast writing, and wonderful characters! I want to be friends with them!" --Lauren Nopenz Fairley, Curious Iguana, Frederick, Md.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
