From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
The Lost Boy of Santa Chionia: A Novel by Juliet Grames (Knopf, $29, 9780593536179). "Set in an isolated Italian village, this is so rich in detail, so deep in characterization, that it's like eating dessert in a fine restaurant: savoring each bite, letting it linger on the palette. Easily one of my favorite books of the year so far!" --Pete Mock, McIntyre's Fine Books, Pittsboro, N.C.
The Horse: A Novel by Willy Vlautin (Harper, $25.99, 9780063346574). "Al Ward is flawed--alcoholism, a never quite good enough country guitarist and song writer. When a blind horse shows up at his isolated shack on a snowy, freezing night, the best of Al comes out. Yes, Al is flawed, but you'll root for him." --Karen Emmerling, Beach Books, Seaside, Ore.
Paperback
Charlotte Illes Is Not a Teacher by Katie Siegel (Kensington, $17.95, 9781496741004). "Siegel's humor and heart shine as we follow Charlotte to her new job as a substitute teacher at her old middle school, as she helps her new colleagues solve a mystery. Fan favorites Lucy and Gabe are back to help and their banter remains delightful." --Andi Richardson, Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, Va.
Ages 5-8
Little Shrew by Akiko Miyakoshi (Kids Can Press, $19.99, 9781525313035). "Meet your new favorite character in children's literature! Little Shrew is an adorable story about the daily life and routines of Little Shrew. Each page is a delight!" --Jessica Nock, Main Street Books, Davidson, N.C.
Ages 8-12: An Indies Introduce Title
The Spindle of Fate by Aimee Lim (Feiwel & Friends, $17.99, 9781250886194). "I loved this charming middle grade inspired by Chinese mythology, exploring themes of grief, growing up, and family. Full of action-packed sequences and quiet, emotional moments alike, this book was a wonderful read." --Donna Liu, Kepler's Books, Menlo Park, Calif.
Teen Readers
The Wilderness of Girls by Madeline Claire Franklin (Zando Young Readers, $19.99, 9781638931003). "After finding four wild young women deep in the forest, Rhi begins to confront her own past in a story that masterfully blends reality with questionable fantasy. Confronting societal expectations of girlhood and exploring the meanings of family, this is a challenging and impactful read." --Matilda McNeely, Little Shop of Stories, Decatur, Ga.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
