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 Lost Story: A Novel by Meg Shaffer (Ballantine, $29, 9780593598870). "Can you feel nostalgic about a book you just read? Apparently yes, if it reminds you of when you were a child who believed in magic. Like any fairy tale, there is darkness, but only enough to make the light more brilliant." --Laura Kendall, Second Flight Books, Lafayette, Ind.
Nicked: A Novel by M.T. Anderson (Pantheon, $28, 9780593701607). "A truly immersive, boisterous, playful, and earnest heist story from so far in the past it becomes magical. With a writing style as elusive as the plot twists, a colorful cast of thieves and priests, and a breathless romance, it's not one to miss." --Bridget Fenner, BookPeople, Austin, Tex.
Paperback: An Indies Introduce Title
The Truth According to Ember: A Novel by Danica Nava (Berkley, $19, 9780593642603). "Ember is tired of her dead-end job, of being broke, and never getting ahead as a Chickasaw woman. So, she lies. As these lies pile up, how can Ember be real? Emotional, witty, and tender, this debut Native rom-com is a perfect workplace romance!" --Coco Zephir, Phoenix Books, Essex Junction, Vt.
Ages 4-8
The First Week of School by Drew Beckmeyer (Atheneum, $18.99, 9781665940429). "Beckmeyer exquisitely balances The First Week of School's simultaneous narratives, making a reading experience rich in humor, character engagement, and surprises. This story cannot be praised too highly or visited too often." --Kenny Brechner, Devaney, Doak & Garrett Booksellers, Farmington, Maine
Ages 8-12
Jupiter Nettle and the Seven Schools of Magic by Sangu Mandanna, illus. by Pablo Ballesteros (Viking, $22.99, 9780593464472). "This graphic novel is a true winner from Mandanna, a must-read for those who love cozy fantasy, great characters, and/or for kids who are having a tough time adjusting to a new school or environment. I can't wait for Jupiter and her story to release to the masses!" --Hannah Kerbs, Parnassus Books, Nashville, Tenn.
Teen Readers
Brownstone by Samuel Teer, illus. by Mar Julia (Versify, $18.99, 9780358394747). "This was such a beautiful, bittersweet graphic novel. Samuel Teer and Mar Julia ripped my heart out and put it back together with this story of a daughter not knowing who her family is and spending a summer learning and growing." --Sarah Dimaria, Cavalier House Books, Denham Springs, La.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
