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 Farewell Tour: A Novel by Stephanie Clifford (Harper, $29.99, 9780063251137). "A fun, fictional bio of a country superstar, like Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton, making her last tour due to health issues. A moving portrait of a woman trying to break through a patriarchal industry and the pratfalls she endured." --Gerard Villegas, Auntie's Bookstore, Spokane, Wash.
What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez: A Novel by Claire Jiménez (Grand Central, $28, 9781538725962). "Jiménez's debut is funny and moving. A Puerto Rican girl living in Staten Island, Ruthy, disappeared on the way home from school. Years later, her sisters think they've found her and plan to bring her home. I loved everything about this." --Rebecca Minnock, Murder By the Book, Houston, Tex.
Paperback
City on Fire: A Novel by Don Winslow (Morrow, $18.99, 9780062851178). "Winslow's latest lights a fuse on what is sure to be a stand out trilogy in modern crime writing. That he goes back to the classics gives it a strong foundation, but this is vintage Winslow through and through. I can't wait for the follow up!" --Jason Hafer, Reads & Company, Phoenixville, Pa.
For Ages 4 to 8
Twenty Questions by Mac Barnett, illus. by Christian Robinson (Candlewick, $17.99, 9781536215137). "Questions open to interpretation are paired with colorful art in this sly and funny picture book. I can't wait to read it with the right kids--those who are perennially inquisitive!" --Robin Stern, Books Inc., San Francisco, Calif.
For Ages 8 to 12
Hanging with Vampires: A Totally Factual Field Guide to the Supernatural by Insha Fitzpatrick, illus. by Lilla Bölecz (Quirk, $14.99, 9781683693413). "Fitzpatrick covers everything from the origins of the vampire myth, to historical context, to the vampire in modern culture. Filled with interesting, bite-sized pieces of information, it's the perfect companion for a middle grader." --R. Aimee Chipman, The Bluestocking Bookshop, Holland, Mich.
For Teen Readers
Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa (First Second, $17.99, 9781250784124). "This is so lovely! A great, inclusive graphic novel! The relationships created by the author are so sweet and wholesome. I can't wait to promote this as much as it deserves!" --Gianna Conidi, Harvey's Tales, Geneva, Ill.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
