From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
One Woman Show: A Novel by Christine Coulson (Avid Reader Press/S&S, $25, 9781668027783). "This journey through a museum exhibit via wall tags provides insightful commentary on the way women are often sidelined as ornamental accessories, even in the story of their own lives. A wholly unique masterclass on economy in language." --David Vogel, Literati Bookstore, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Straw Dogs of the Universe: A Novel by Ye Chun (Catapult, $27, 9781646220625). "In this book, young Chinese villagers flee flood and famine for a 'better life' in California, and lurch through bitter hardship, unspeakable racism, and repeated brutality. They fight, love, and struggle to survive with their souls intact." --Reiko Redmonde, Revolution Books, Berkeley, Calif.
Paperback
People Person: A Novel by Candice Carty-Williams (Gallery/Scout Press, $17.99, 9781501196058). "Meet the Penningtons: Five siblings from four mothers, raised in London with no support from their father and with vastly different backgrounds. Somehow, they mesh. People Person makes their growing bond a hilarious triumph of family." --Myles Mickle, Village Square Booksellers, Bellows Falls, Vt.
For Ages 0 to 8
Granny Rex by Kurtis Scaletta, illus. by Nik Henderson (Abrams, $18.99, 9781951836665). "A tiny chickadee complains about being small, which opens a big conversation about bird ancestors. Extremely good read-aloud potential here, both for the silly jokes and the dino and bird noises. I can't wait to share this with kids." --Clare Doornbos, Mr. Mopps' Children's Books, Berkeley, Calif.
For Ages 10+
Two Tribes by Emily Bowen Cohen (Heartdrum, $15.99, 9780062983589). "Mia's feeling of not fitting in is intensified by her descent from not one, but two marginalized communities. Her journey into her Muscogee heritage means taking risks and learning from her mistakes. A brilliant coming-of-age story." --Keith Glaeske, East City Bookshop, Washington, D.C.
For Teen Readers
Bittersweet in the Hollow by Kate Pearsall (Putnam, $18.99, 9780593531020). "I was hooked on the premise of a murder mystery linked to Mothman. I didn't expect how quickly I'd fall in love with the language that just drips with magic, the cast of amazing witchy women on every page, and the intricately woven story." --Jacey Anderson, Rediscovered Books, Boise, Idaho
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
