From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Piglet: A Novel by Lottie Hazell (Holt, $27.99, 9781250289841). "Lottie Hazell manages to brilliantly articulate the societal pressures placed on women to be the perfect cook, the perfect wife, the perfect friend, the perfect daughter: to be and do it all. A timeless story told in a new, unique way." --Lauren Nopenz Fairley, Curious Iguana, Frederick, Md.
The Book of Doors: A Novel by Gareth Brown (Morrow, $30, 9780063323988). "We all know books are metaphoric doors--what if they were literal doors as well? Full of fascinating characters, mystery, and magical books, this debut novel will appeal to fans of The Starless Sea." --Keith Glaeske, East City Bookshop, Washington, D.C.
Paperback
The Still Point: A Novel by Tammy Greenwood (Kensington, $17.95, 9781496739339). "Based on Greenwood's experience as a ballet mom, this sometimes-painful journey into adulthood (for both the moms and their daughters!) is also a story of friendship, life aspirations, and moving on from tragedy and heartbreak." --Terry Gilman, Creating Conversations, Redondo Beach, Calif.
Ages 4 to 8
I Lived Inside a Whale by Xin Li (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $18.99, 9780316492270). "What a spectacular story! It is a rare picture book that combines gorgeous illustrations with humor and real insight into real emotions, but I Lived Inside a Whale does so perfectly." --Jennifer Carney, Sidetrack Bookshop, Royal Oak, Mich.
Ages 8 to 12: An Indies Introduce Title
Daughters of the Lamp by Nedda Lewers (Putnam Books for Young Readers, $18.99, 9780593619308). "A magical tale of a science-minded kid encountering things she can't explain as Sahara and her father travel to Egypt for a family wedding. This was an adorable book full of family love and Arabian traditions!" --Andi Richardson, Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, Va.
Teen Readers
The Fox Maidens by Robin Ha (Balzer + Bray, $18.99, 9780062685124). "This book was absolutely fantastic! The feminist, queer retelling of the Gumiho story I never knew I needed. If you've ever struggled with taking hold of your own power, this one's for you." --Leah Grover, Scrawl Books, Reston, Va.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
