From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Bug Hollow: A Novel by Michelle Huneven (Penguin Press, $29, 9780593834879). "Bug Hollow is just wonderful. Characters thrown together after being torn apart are Huneven's specialty. As always, the characters in this California novel are given all the grace and mercy they need. Perfect for book clubs." --Sarah Bagby, Watermark Books & Cafe, Wichita, Kan.
Hazel Says No by Jessica Berger Gross (Hanover Square Press, $28.99, 9781335015129). "Told from multiple characters' perspectives, this is a downright titillating story about family and community, choices and growth. Readers will root for Hazel and her entire family from beginning to end in this page-turning drama." --Liz Whitelam, Whitelam Books, Reading, Mass.
Paperback
I Gave You Eyes and You Looked Toward Darkness: A Novel by Irene Solà, trans. by Mara Faye Lethem (Graywolf Press, $17, 9781644453438). "I insist that you'll be obsessed with this magnificent, slim book. Curious, disgusting, beautiful and resoundingly feminist--this is a book to captivate your hungering Madeline Miller readers, your Oyeyemi fans." --Dustin Kurtz, Literary Arts, Portland, Ore.
Ages 4-8
What If We... by Vivienne Chang and Eugenia Yoh (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $18.99, 9780316377201). "A brother sets off to find new adventures, wondering, 'What if I…?' When his little sister's had enough, she finally shouts: 'What if WE?' A joyous picture book about finding things to do together, filled with gorgeous illustrations on every page." --Aerie Brown, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, Tex.
Ages 9-12: An Indies Introduce Title
Pacheco and the Witch of the Mountain: A Graphic Novel by Juan E. Zambrano (Andrews McMeel, $21.99, 9781524892227). "This graphic novel deals with inclusivity, animal abuse/mistreatment, and activism, all while we follow a young boy's dreams of learning and practicing magic--even though nearly everyone tells him magic is only for girls." --Keeley Malone, Ink Drinkers Anonymous, Muncie, Ind.
Ages 14+
Amelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli (HarperCollins, $19.99, 9780063045927). "I admired Amelia so much--she put herself out there, was funny and quick-witted. Her friend group was just as charming and their road trip to meet Amelia's favorite YouTuber had me hooked. This was such a fun read that stayed with me for days. A genuine delight!" --Alyssa Leibow, Beach Books, Seaside, Ore.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
