From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Madwoman: A Novel by Chelsea Bieker (Little, Brown, $29, 9780316573290). "This incredible story of domestic violence survivors had me on the edge of my seat. Fans of Godshot will recognize Bieker's humor and depth. But in Madwoman, there's growth, not always for the better, of a character trying to forget her dark past." --Emily Berg, Books & Books, Key West, Fla.
We're Alone: Essays by Edwidge Danticat (Graywolf Press, $26, 9781644453025). "In so few pages, Edwidge Danticat weaves language that situates us in the moment with compassion and clarity. From odes that ache and appreciate the humanity of brilliant authors, to writings about Haiti and storms to come, Danticat threads it all." --Mari Guzman, Politics and Prose Bookstore, Washington, D.C.
Paperback
Where the Forest Meets the River by Shannon Bowring (Europa Editions, $18, 9798889660439). "In Where the Forest Meets the River, Bowring takes us back to Dalton, Maine, where some of my favorite and not-so-favorite people live. Dalton has its secrets, but Bowring spins a tale full of love, sorrow, and laughter." --Jayne Rowsam, Mystery to Me, Madison, Wis.
Ages 4-8
Attack of the Scones (Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast) by Josh Funk, illus. by Brendan Kearney (Union Square Kids, $18.99, 9781454943648). "As raucous as the first Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast, Josh Funk continues to bring epic scope and adventure to picture books. Brendan Kearney's fun and vibrant illustrations of everything from French toast to cutlery will charm your socks off." --Justin Colussy-Estes, Little Shop of Stories, Decatur, Ga.
Ages 8-12
Taxi Ghost by Sophie Escabasse (Random House Graphic, $13.99, 9780593565971). "Taxi Ghost is a great book for readers who wish they could communicate with ghosts like Adèle, and who stands up for the preservation of their neighborhood. The characters were so vibrant and lovable, and we love the celebration of periods!" --Paige McWilliams, Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville, Ky.
Teen Readers
Under the Surface by Diana Urban (Putnam Books for Young Readers, $19.99, 9780593625088). "Hold on to your seats! This dark thriller has it all: a fast-paced adventure in the tunnels under Paris filled with long-dead bodies, broken friendships, ghoulish hunters, and enough action to keep you flipping the pages. Keep the lights on!" --Maureen Palacios, Once Upon a Time, Montrose, Calif.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
