From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
I Love You So Much It's Killing Us Both: A Novel by Mariah Stovall (Soft Skull, $28, 9781593767600). "A beautiful punch in the gut like a mosh pit on a Saturday night. Mariah Stovall's debut sweeps us into the tender-yet-vicious embrace of teenage friendship, connecting past, present, and future, and the heroes of post-hardcore, punk, and emo." --Mikey LaFave, Avid Bookshop, Athens, Ga.
A Wild and Heavenly Place: A Novel by Robin Oliveira (Putnam, $28, 9780593543856). "I enjoyed this immersive tale of love, heartbreak, and survival spanning Scotland to rugged Seattle in 1879. Lovers strive to overcome adversity in the reversals of fortunes and unbearable hardships that force life-changing decisions." --Annette Steinmetz, The Well-Read Moose, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Paperback
Love Novel by Ivana Sajko, trans. by Mima Simić (Biblioasis, $15.95, 9781771965989). "Claustrophobic and cutting, this is an honest portrait of a modern marriage and all the tender, violent actions that love can extract. This novel also excellently comments on the unlivable conditions we're collectively spiraling towards." --Torrin Nelson, Queen Anne Book Company, Seattle, Wash.
Ages 4 to 8
The Three Little Tardigrades by Sandra Fay (Godwin Books, $18.99, 9781250776099). "Tardigrades: who knew they were so adventurous and amazing? Not me! Now I do. Holy smokes was this book hilarious, cute, and very educational. An excellent read-aloud, a prime classroom study, or a fun treat to keep at the grandparents'." --Katie Pionk, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey, Mich.
Ages 8 to 12
The Selkie's Daughter by Linda Crotta Brennan (Holiday House, $17.99, 9780823454396). "Brigit's mother is a selkie, born in the sea, and she is half-selkie with webbing between her fingers, which she must hide. Brigit learns hard truths about being a part of two very different worlds. A wonderful novel about fighting for who you are." --Kalli King, Rediscovered Books, Boise, Idaho
Teen Readers: An Indies Introduce Title
Shut Up, This Is Serious by Carolina Ixta (Quill Tree Books, $19.99, 9780063287860). "I loved this thoughtful and impactful coming-of-age story! The book is anchored by Belén and Leti's friendship, and the girls face problems with family, school, and growing up. A powerful debut!" Ann Branson, Beach Books, Seaside, Ore.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
