From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover: An Indies Introduce Title
The Other Valley: A Novel by Scott Alexander Howard (Atria, $27.99, 9781668015476). "This immersive story of a young girl falling in love is complicated by the fact that her home valley borders two other valleys where the past and future live--and no interaction is allowed. Sometimes, borders must be crossed. A new favorite." --Beth Mynhier, Lake Forest Book Store, Lake Forest, Ill.
Hardcover
Headshot: A Novel by Rita Bullwinkel (Viking, $28, 9780593654101). "Headshot is completely brilliant. A fierce and intimate account of eight fascinating young women with powerful, refined prose. Rita Bullwinkel puts you inside the minds of her characters while enthralling you as the story plays out." --Shane Grebel, Watermark Books & Café, Wichita, Kan.
Paperback
Your Absence Is Darkness by Jón Kalman Stefánsson, trans. by Philip Roughton (Biblioasis, $19.95, 9781771965811). "Add Your Absence Is Darkness to the ever-growing pile of Icelandic classics. This deeply moving novel--full of love, stories large and small, and unforgettable characters--caresses and crashes like the waves against the island's shores." --Stephen Sparks, Point Reyes Books, Point Reyes Station, Calif.
Ages 5-8
The Book That Can Read Your Mind by Marianna Coppo (Chronicle, $17.99, 9781797229010). "Abracadabra! This interactive story is filled with adorable illustrations, and the undeniably fun choose-your-own-adventure style makes for a new read every time. Perfect for parents who can't bear to read the same book over and over." --Mary Wahlmeier Bracciano, Raven Book Store, Lawrence, Kan.
Ages 8-12
Next Stop by Debbie Fong (Random House Graphic, $13.99, 9780593425183). "Next Stop is an endearing graphic novel that made me laugh out loud on one page, then tear up on the next. Fong's ability to discuss grief and loss without sacrificing charm makes Next Stop a must read for children and adults." --Dominic Smith, Underbrush Books, Rogers, Ariz.
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!]
