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 Radiance: A Novel by Ayad Akhtar (S&S/Summit Books, $29, 9781668078631). "A near-fatal accident elevates the author-protagonist to an altered state of perception--mystical and radiant, akin to a religious epiphany or pre-seizure euphoria. His pursuit of an explanation converges with a campus scandal, revealing incisive field notes on the state of higher education in our country." --Karen Hwang, Wellesley Books, Wellesley, Mass.
Ply: A Novel by Hernan Diaz (Riverhead, $32, 9780593719541). "An epic dystopian novel that feels familiar, and all too possible, which adds to the sense of dread. This future still has music, art, and against all odds, science. But to balance the darkness, it has a strong dose of love and hope." --Alana Haley, Schuler Books, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Paperback
See You Next Tuesday: A Novel by Kate Stayman-London (Dial Press Trade Paperback, $19, 9780593980118). "Like the author, I worked on Democratic campaigns. This book transported me back to my campaign days of late nights, endless pizza and emotions running high. Anya and Gabe reminded me so much of my campaign crush back in 2016, and I couldn't help but think about what could have happened between us. I loved everything about this book." --Sam Miller, The Novel Notion, Athens, Ohio
Ages 4-8
I Am Not Grumpy! by Caroline L. Perry, illus. by Sydney Hanson (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $19.99, 9781665984195). "This is the perfect follow up to I Am Not Happy! The most adorable rain frog is feeling very misunderstood with her 'resting frog face.' Her frown does not mean she is grumpy. The best picture book that will be a huge hit this year." --Amy Traughber, pages: a bookstore, Manhattan Beach, Calif.
Ages 8-12
The Moonlit Spiral: A Graphic Novel by Mike Maihack (Candlewick, $24.99, 9781536224481). "Rion (doesn't believe in magic) is about to go on the most magical adventure (seriously) to find a legendary treasure (that may not even be real)! What's life without a little adventure? I know you don't want to hear this, but what if the treasure really was the friends we made along the way?" --Jamie Kovacs, Flyleaf Books, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Ages 13+
Radio Free Texas by Libba Bray (Scholastic, $21.99, 9781546156543). "Full of captivating, complex characters, brimming with nostalgia, and backed by a great rock-and-roll soundtrack, Radio Free Texas is sure to appeal to both teens feeling stuck and adults who remember that frustration." --Jenn Guare, The Briar Patch, Bangor, Me.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
