From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
A Short Walk Through a Wide World: A Novel by Douglas Westerbeke (Avid Reader Press, $28.99, 9781668026069). "A Short Walk Through a Wide World is an epic novel charting the adventurous journey of one woman trying to outrun a mysterious curse. Douglas Westerbeke's debut captures the imagination. A dazzling read!" --Linda Kass, Gramercy Books, Bexley, Ohio
A Good Happy Girl: A Novel by Marissa Higgins (Catapult, $27, 9781646221974). "Higgins' debut is a pull on the cigarette you shouldn't be having, the shot of adrenaline you get when you wake up through the daze of a hangover and remember your bad dreams. A Good Happy Girl is a pitch-perfect entry into the lesbian canon." --Gaby Iori, Epilogue: Books Chocolate Brews, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Paperback
Rainbow Black: A Novel by Maggie Thrash (Harper Perennial, $18.99, 9780063286870). "The setting: 1980s New Hampshire, a society roiled by suppressed memories. The characters: two young teens, parents convicted of child abuse arising from these memories. Maggie Thrash does not shy away in this compelling story." --Willard Williams, Balin Books, Nashua, N.H.
Ages 4 to 8
Spider in the Well by Jess Hannigan (Katherine Tegen Books, $19.99, 9780063289475). "Everyone in this book is so devious and I loved every page! Spider in the Well is absolutely delightful, with a fable-like feeling, awesome illustrations, and characters both silly and sly. Love!" --Julia DeVarti, Books Are Magic, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Ages 8 to 12: An Indies Introduce Title
Continental Drifter by Kathy MacLeod (First Second, $14.99, 9781250813749). "This is a wonderful story about looking inside yourself and trying to put yourself in others' shoes, even those you think you know the best. And the artwork of blueberry pie, red curry, and more will have your mouth watering!" --Paul Swydan, The Silver Unicorn Bookstore, Acton, Mass.
Teen Readers
Your Blood, My Bones by Kelly Andrew (Scholastic, $19.99, 9781338885071). "A spellbinding journey into the depths of loyalty, fate, and the shadows that lurk within us all. Andrew's tale is as enchanting as it is chilling, and will leave readers eagerly anticipating what shadows may unfold next in Wyatt and Peter's entangled destiny." --Jessie Fischer, The Book Nook, Saranac Lake, N.Y.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
