From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover: An Indies Introduce Title
Mendell Station by J.B. Hwang (Bloomsbury, $26.99, 9781639736188). "A thoughtful meditation on friendship, grief, and new ways forward. The suicide of her closest friend shatters 33-year-old Miriam's religious faith and sends her into despair. She finds unlikely succor working for the postal service." --Jan Blodgett, Main Street Books, Davidson, N.C.
Hardcover
The Library at Hellebore by Cassandra Khaw (Tor Nightfire, $29.99, 9781250877819). "Visceral, violent, and disturbing, The Library at Hellebore is an ode to anyone who's ever felt different. The students are calamities made flesh, the teachers ominous and hungry. A fever dream full of emotion." --Paley Goldberg, Merritt Bookstore, Millbrook, N.Y.
Paperback
Love Is a War Song by Danica Nava (Berkley, $19, 9780593642627). "A pop star rehabilitates her reputation while connecting with her Native American roots on her grandmother's horse farm. She spends time with one of the ranch hands, who teaches her more about her culture. A forbidden, steamy love." --Juliana Reyes, Bookmarks, Winston-Salem, N.C.
Ages 3-7
Forts by Katie Venit, illus. by Kenard Pak (Viking Books for Young Readers, $18.99, 9780593466155). "This cozy book is full of the sensory feelings in the magical world of nature, mixed with the comforts of a secret place in your home where you can be alone. Brought back so many memories of my own childhood." --Sarah Jane Abbott, Books Are Magic, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Ages 8-12
Another by Paul Tremblay (Quill Tree Books, $19.99, 9780063396357). "Paul Tremblay's middle grade horror book is awesome. Anyone that loved Goosebumps or Are You Afraid of the Dark? growing up will love this book. Reminds me of a Scary Stories tale!" --Derrick Brunner, The Well-Read Moose, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Ages 14+
A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid (HarperCollins, $19.99, 9780063421677). "Dive deeper into the world of A Study in Drowning, into the dreams of Preston Heloury and the lore of the Sleepers, as Ava Reid's Welsh folklore-infused dark academia fantasy continues! With the lush literary romance of Divine Rivals and the incisive magical dark academia of Babel, this series is a must-read." --Megan Bell, Underground Books, Carrollton, Ga.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
