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
Only Here, Only Now: A Novel by Tom Newlands (HarperVia, $28.99, 9780063393455). "This debut is the thunderous announcement of a brilliant novelist with a keen wit. Like Derry Girls done by Dave Eggers, Only Here, Only Now is fiercely original, unabashedly Scottish, heartrendingly poignant, and hilarious to the point of tears." --Steve Iwanski, Charter Books, Newport, R.I.
Hardcover
Shy Creatures: A Novel by Clare Chambers (Mariner, $30, 9780063258228,). "An inventive and satisfying novel. Not just a story you'll look forward to cozying up with, but a brilliant affirmation of non-conformity, self-determination, and the power of art. For fans of Elizabeth McCracken, Tessa Hadley, and Ann Patchett!" --Kristen Iskandrian, Thank You Books, Birmingham, Ala.
Paperback
Sundown in San Ojuela: A Novel by M.M. Olivas (Lanternfish Press, $19, 9781941360750). "Wow! It's been so long since I read a book that got this deep into me and did not let go. I loved all the complicated, messy, dark characters that populated this scary and grotesque debut. Snatch this book up and let it devour you!" --Katelyn Phillips, Books Are Magic, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Ages 3-7
Frostfire by Elly MacKay (Tundra Books, $18.99, 9780735266988). "Frostfire is a winter-tastic picture book for young readers! The illustrations are beautifully done, detailed yet allow readers to get lost in the whimsical winter following sisters in a snowy kingdom. A book for imagination lovers." --Sophie Murray, Tsunami Books, Eugene, Ore.
Ages 8-12
Noodle & Bao by Shaina Lu (Quill Tree Books, $24.99, 9780063283411). "Momo's town is becoming more expensive and edging out small businesses like Noodle and Bao's beloved restaurant. This book is an incredibly helpful tool for helping young people understanding gentrification and its impact--and it's just a great story." --Milo Michels, University Book Store, Seattle, Wash.
Teen Readers: An Indies Introduce Title
Tangleroot by Kalela Williams (Feiwel & Friends, $19.99, 9781250880666). "Sometimes your family history is as tangled as the vines on the ground. When Noni is forced to make a new home in the 'Big House' built by an enslaved ancestor, she may discover truths about herself and her family that none could have imagined." --Sally Sue Lavigne, The Storybook Shoppe, Bluffton, S.C.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
