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 Music of Bees: A Novel by Eileen Garvin (Dutton, $26, 9780593183922). "Comparing this book to Eleanor Oliphant left me a bit skeptical, but the comparison is fair and I'd even say that The Music of Bees stands on its own beautifully. Add in some interesting facts on bees and heartwarming stories of lovable, offbeat characters and you have a winner." --Pat Rudebusch, Orinda Books, Orinda, Calif.
Madhouse at the End of the Earth: The Belgica's Journey into the Dark Antarctic Night by Julian Sancton (Crown, $30, 9781984824332). "What I love about polar expedition stories is imagining surviving the same situation. Madhouse at the End of the Earth is a fascinating study of chasing fame at any cost and the price paid when things go horribly wrong. A worthy addition to the canon of polar expedition history." --Tom Beans, Dudley's Bookshop Café, Bend, Ore.
Paperback
The Last Flight: A Novel by Julie Clark (Sourcebooks Landmark, $16.99, 9781728234229). "Two women, each with a good reason for wanting to escape her current life, switch plane tickets and identities. When one flight crashes, the action begins. This is a unique thriller that draws you in and has you turning the pages until the unexpected but perfect ending." --Terry Gilman, Creating Conversations, Redondo Beach, Calif.
For Ages 6 to 10
Jo Jo Makoons: The Used–to–Be Best Friend by Dawn Quigley, illus. by Tara Audibert (Heartdrum, $15.99, 9780063015371). "Jo Jo is the most precocious and hilarious seven-year-old I've ever read about. This story had me laughing out loud as Jo Jo tries to make backup friends in case it turns out her best school friend, Fern, doesn't want to be best friends with her anymore." --Katherine Nazzaro, Porter Square Books, Cambridge, Mass.
For Ages 9 to 12
Long Lost by Jacqueline West (Greenwillow, $16.99, 9780062691750). "Long Lost is a wonderfully atmospheric and spooky story, complete with a fabulous library, a mysterious book within the book, sibling rivalry, old maps, and more!" --Angela Whited, Red Balloon Bookshop, St. Paul, Minn.
For Teen Readers
Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey (HarperTeen, $17.99, 9780062994462). "Featuring feuding booksellers from rival bookstores, this novel is the perfect combination of humor and romance. Full of witty comebacks, prank wars, and enemies-to-lovers (to enemies, then back to lovers again) energy, this story is perfect for book lovers and romance fans alike!" --Ashley Musick, Linden Tree Children's Books, Los Altos, Calif.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
