From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Hunchback: A Novel by Saou Ichikawa, trans. by Polly Barton (Hogarth, $22, 9780593734711). "Saou Ichikawa makes disability visible in Japan. This book shakes you to the core and takes you on an unforgettable journey. A portrait of what it's like to live with disability and what it's like to be a strong woman who makes her own decisions." --Rosita Georgiades, City of Asylum Bookstore, Pittsburgh, Pa.
O Sinners!: A Novel by Nicole Cuffy (One World, $28, 9780593597446). "A beautiful novel that seamlessly weaves together themes of trauma, belonging, and belief. The underlying eeriness and sense of paranoia throughout are gripping, and the thought-provoking questions raised offer plenty to discuss." --Maggie Shaw, Honest Dog Books, Bayfield, Wis.
Paperback
Annie Bot: A Novel by Sierra Greer (Mariner, $18.99, 9780063312708). "Annie is an AI-enabled sex doll that learns from her mistakes to please humans. What happens when her intelligence turns inward? A novel about power, intimacy, artificial intelligence, and an imperfect relationship under patriarchy." --Jennifer Carney, Sidetrack Bookshop, Royal Oak, Mich.
Ages 4-8
So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner (S&S Books for Young Readers, $19.99, 9781665931359). "Such a cute tale of animal friendships. When faced with a flood, tortoise digs burrows for all, but is frustrated when no one is ready to move in. I love the illustrations underground!" --Alissa Redmond, South Main Book Company, Salisbury, N.C.
Ages 8-12
River of Spirits by Shana Targosz (Aladdin, $18.99, 9781665957632). "For fans of Percy Jackson and The Clackity. The young Senka, ferrier-in-training to the underworld, is full of spunk and determination. Poppy, alive, is searching for her dead brother. What could go wrong?! Giant birds, evil witches, and mythic monsters are just the start." --Rachel Brewer, Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville, Ky.
Teen Readers
Hunger's Bite by Taylor Robin (Union Square & Co., $24.99, 9781454950240). "What should be another routine crossing of the Atlantic for Emery, Neeta, and the SS Lark turns deadly when new management steps in and their intentions are... less than good. Perhaps even a little demonic. An enthralling debut graphic novel." --Morgan Holub, E. Shaver, Bookseller, Savannah, Ga.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
