From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
We Could Be Rats: A Novel by Emily Austin (Atria Books, 9781668058145, $27.99). "In her latest novel, Austin captures the bittersweet heart of growing up and growing apart. Told over the course of Sigrid's attempts at a suicide note, Austin guides the reader though Sigrid's disenchantment with equal humor and heartbreak." --Alea Lopes, The Oxford Exchange, Tampa, Fla.
Penitence: A Novel by Kristin Koval (Celadon Books, $28.99, 9781250342997). "Penitence tells the story of a small town Colorado murder, woven with the guilt and anger of another loss from many years ago. Touching on youth incarceration, families, love, and trust, this debut makes me want to see what Kristin Koval will bring next." --Gail Dickson, The Bookstore of Glen Ellyn, Glen Ellyn, Ill.
Paperback
elseship: an unrequited affair by Tree Abraham (Soft Skull, $19.95, 9781593767853). "Tree Abraham's elseship recounts a tale of unrequited love between her and her housemate via striking prose and mixed media visuals. This book serves as both an emotional autopsy of the heart and a case study of true unconditional love." --Emma Fong, Books Inc., San Francisco, Calif.
Ages 7-10
Ten-Word Tiny Tales of Love by Joseph Coelho, illus. by Various (Candlewick, $18.99, 9781536241297). "What if you had to condense your adoration into just ten words? I absolutely love this coffee table worthy picture book with ten-word expressions of love. Stunningly illustrated by some of the best, it's a perfect gift for anyone who makes your heart sing." --Angie Tally, The Country Bookshop, Southern Pines, N.C.
Ages 8-12
Inkbound: Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo by Philippa Leathley (HarperCollins, $19.99, 9780063376519). "The start of a great new fantasy series! I can't wait for the sequel!" --Chris Abouzeid, Belmont Books, Belmont, Mass.
Teen Readers
No Place Left to Hide by Megan Lally (Sourcebooks Fire, $12.99, 9781728270142). "Buckle up! You're in for a wild ride. No Place Left to Hide is a gripping thriller full of twists and turns, both figuratively and literally." --Alyssa Leibow, Beach Books, Seaside, Ore.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
