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 Examiner: A Novel by Janice Hallett (Atria, $29.99, 9781668023426). "When faced with a new Janice Hallett mystery, there's nothing to do but dive in and swim for the end. There's no stopping along the way--you don't want to get lost in the clues before you've figured out the solution. (Ha! Good luck with that.)" --Linda Bond, Auntie's Bookstore, Spokane, Wash.
The Book Swap: A Novel by Tessa Bickers (Graydon House, $27.99, 9781525836701). "I am a sucker for a well-written and meaty romance and The Book Swap delivers. Erin and James are both imperfect people, but they also both have such a capacity for love and growth. Them falling in love through margin-writing in books is just the cherry on top." --Amelia Yasuda, Queen Takes Book, Columbia, Md.
Paperback
Whalefall: A Novel by Daniel Kraus (MTV Books, $18.99, 9781665918176). "This masterfully researched thriller weaves the story of a young diver's tumultuous relationship with his father with the primal terrors of the deep sea. A heart-pounding tale of humanity, science, and survival you won't soon forget." --Mary Powers, Politics and Prose Bookstore, Washington, D.C.
Ages 3-7
Bookie and Cookie by Blanca Gómez (Rocky Pond Books, $18.99, 9780593696804). "Bookie and Cookie are best friends that like their own side of the page. Cookie does not like to leave his page, while Bookie is willing to try. Bookie shares the importance of trying something new with his friend. A fun story for littles." --Margaret Shields, Morgenstern Books, Bloomington, Ind.
Ages 9+
The Beautiful Game by Yamile Saied Méndez (Algonquin Young Readers, $16.99, 9781643753980). "On the day of a very important futbol game--as the only girl on the boys' team--Val aka 'Magic' is side-swiped by her first period. So launches the story of how to be a proud female and stand your ground when challenged by authority, family, or circumstances. Excellent!" --Kathleen Johnson, Roundabout Books, Bend, Ore.
Teen Readers
Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson (HarperTeen, $19.99, 9780063255951). "It starts with a malfunctioning petrichor candle. Soon, the house is up in flames--and so are Marlowe's summer plans. With singular, dry wit, and sinister disquiet, Johnson crafts a novel with such suspenseful foreboding that you'll be racing with shaking fingers to the end." --Emily Gilbow, House of Books, Kent, Conn.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
