From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Winter Stories by Ingvild Rishøi, trans. by Diane Oatley (Grove Press, $22, 9780802165947). "This spare but moving set of Norwegian short stories gives readers a snapshot of the lives of beleaguered people facing difficult decisions at a time of year when many expect to be reveling in the holidays." --Kelly Barth, Raven Book Store, Lawrence, Kan.
As Many Souls as Stars: A Novel by Natasha Siegel (Morrow, $30, 9780063418028). "The eldest daughter in a family of witches is born 'cursed' again and again. When a demonic entity takes notice and offers her a deal, she takes it. She never expected a tumultuous relationship with a demon that spans centuries." --Jennifer Lieberman, Books Are Awesome, Parker, Colo.
Paperback
Tilt: A Novel by Emma Pattee (Scribner, $18, 9781668055489). "Pattee takes us inside the mind of soon-to-be mother Annie in her attempt to reunite with her husband after a huge earthquake. Tilt poses imperative questions about our nature as individuals and collectively in the face of societal collapse." --Aubrey Winkler, Powell's Books, Portland, Ore.
Ages 4-8
The Great Bear by Annie Booker (Two Hoots, $18.99, 9781035028672). "A beautifully illustrated story of nature and conservation in the Arctic with a polar bear determined to keep her habitat in balance." --Andrew King, Edmonds Bookshop, Edmonds, Wash.
Ages 8-12
Alice with a Why by Anna James, illus. by Matthew Land (Flamingo Books, $18.99, 9780593691991). "Anna James has written a masterful continuation of Lewis Carroll's tale. Her style is true to his whimsical form, and yet new and fresh--perfect for today's young readers. A perfect book for parents and children to read together." --Ashley Michael, Plenty Downtown Bookshop, Cookeville, Tenn.
Ages 13+
Persephone's Curse by Katrina Leno (Wednesday Books, $21, 9781250342904). "I was completely swept up in this New York City-set, Little Women-inspired retelling of Persephone. I adore sister stories, and the Farthing girls are joining the ranks of literary sisters I love. This is a soulful and enchanting read." --Sherri Puzey, Zibby's Bookshop, Santa Monica, Calif.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
