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 Fortunes of Jaded Women: A Novel by Carolyn Huynh (Atria, $27, 9781982188733). "A story about the pushes and pulls of first-generation Americans, of grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and daughters. There is love, accomplishment, community, and it's laugh out loud funny. Give yourself the gift of reading this book." --Holly Hendricks, Sunriver Books & Music, Sunriver, Ore.
Didn't Nobody Give a Shit What Happened to Carlotta: A Novel by James Hannaham (Little, Brown, $28, 9780316285278). "Carlotta, a trans woman, is released home to Brooklyn after 22 years in a male prison. As she adjusts to life outside, she faces one injustice after another. Through so many inequities, Carlotta maintains her optimism, humor, and hope." --Mary Kay Burnett, Buttonwood Books and Toys, Cohasset, Mass.
Paperback
Our Country Friends: A Novel by Gary Shteyngart (Random House, $18.99, 9781984855145). "Extraordinary. I love every word Shteyngart's ever written, and this is his best novel by an upstate country mile. I said I never wanted to read a 2020 pandemic novel, but I was wrong. I needed to read one--this one." --Chris Lee, Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, Wis.
For Ages 4 to 8
Beatrice Likes the Dark by April Genevieve Tucholke, illus. by Khoa Le (Algonquin, $18.95, 9781643751573). "One of my favorite picture books of the year! Beatrice Likes the Dark is a beautifully illustrated, sweet story of sisterhood. Each page is full of heart and whimsy. Your inner baby goth or any year-round Halloween lovers will need this one!" --Cristina Russell, Books & Books, Coral Gables, Fla.
For Ages 8 to 12: An Indies Introduce Title
Wildoak by C.C. Harrington (Scholastic, $18.99, 9781338803860). "Such a wonderful book on the magic of nature. I was brought to tears remembering what it was like to struggle in a world that couldn't listen. I can't wait for another generation of readers to fall in love with reading because of this story." --Revati Kilaparti, Old Firehouse Books, Fort Collins, Colo.
For Teen Readers
I'm the Girl by Courtney Summers (Wednesday Books, $18.99, 9781250808363). "Courtney Summers' sharp-edged protagonist makes every 'mistake' young women are taught to avoid, and in a revolutionary move, the narrative refuses to blame her for it. I'm the Girl is not just a powerful feminist thriller, it is a call to action." --Kay Frost, Brookline Booksmith, Brookline, Mass.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
