May 2022 Indie Next List
Book Lovers
Emily Henry (Berkley)
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“This book is perfect. I was so happy to see Emily Henry return to enemies-to-lovers. Dare I say it, Book Lovers is even better than Beach Read! The editor vs agent drama, the small-town checklist, and god, the steamy scenes — read this book!”
— Michelle Stiles, Magers & Quinn Booksellers, Minneapolis, MN
May 2022 Indie Next List
Inspired Recommendations from Indie Booksellers
By Hernan Diaz
Riverhead Books
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“Hernan Diaz does things I've never seen in a novel before. Trust ties up threads of money and art, family and history, lies and truth. Think historical fiction turned meta, with a beating heart and spectacular writing.”
— Mark Haber, Brazos Bookstore, Houston, TX
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“Holly Black’s adult fantasy debut is as chilling, dark, and action-packed as you’d expect. The world of shadow magic is fascinating, the story is an absolute page-turner, and Charlie is messy, clever, and completely relatable.”
— Olivia Marchese, Author's Note, Medina, NY
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“Meet a hardworking widow, a lost soul, and a giant Pacific octopus (yes, an octopus) in this heartfelt story that reveals there’s still plenty of living to do for those with their eyes — and hearts — open to the unexpected. A bright debut!”
— Annie Romano, An Unlikely Story, Plainville, MA
By Jennifer Weiner
Atria Books
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“The Summer Place was my happy place. I saw a bit of myself in each character, and all of the drama a family can experience in a lifetime. I was laughing out loud, anxious about the characters and plot lines, and just could not put this one down!”
— Tim Ehrenberg, Nantucket Bookworks, Nantucket, MA
By Nicola Griffith
Tordotcom
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“Griffith does it again! I could read 200 more pages of this gorgeous, moody reimagining of one of the many tales surrounding King Arthur. It reminded me of Alex Myers’ The Story of Silence in its exploration of the gender (non)binary.”
— Elayna Trucker, Napa Bookmine, Napa, CA
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“Nghi Vo’s vision of magic in 1920s Hollywood enriches the protagonist’s transformation and shows readers all that was at stake for those in the early film industry. Siren Queen reminds us of all that the term ‘movie magic’ implies.”
— Katarina Diepholz, Charter Books, Newport, RI
By Kim Michele Richardson
Sourcebooks Landmark
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“While never overplaying the drama, Honey’s story captures the struggles and discrimination women faced in the 1950s and their fight for dignity. Honoring the power of women’s friendships, this rich sequel speaks to our present.”
— Jan Blodgett, Main Street Books (NC), Davidson, NC
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“A modern-day, page-turning family saga. Beautifully written with deeply intelligent emotional reflections on the complexity within each of us, this is for anyone invested in the ways of the heart — what it wants, and if it can be trusted.”
— Page Berger, Barrett Bookstore, Darien, CT
By Claire Kohda
HarperVia
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“A subtle, understated vampire book. Lydia is mixed-race, mixed-species, and trying to make it on her own. Her hunger and desire to be human lead to complicated relationships with food and her friends. This one’s oh-so-satisfying.”
— Maggie Henriksen, Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville, KY
By Vaishnavi Patel
Redhook
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“I was swept away in this richly told story of Kaikeyi. A fresh, feminist, and powerful depiction of the vilified queen of the Ramayana, full of mythology and utterly captivating. Kaikeyi is a fiercely told story of power, fate, and love.”
— Kelly Orazi, Mysterious Galaxy Books, San Diego, CA
By T. Kingfisher
Tor Books
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“I don’t know how I lived this long without T. Kingfisher. Nettle & Bone has everything: a princess on a quest, a goblin market, a fairy godmother, a demon chicken (wait, what!). It’s fresh, funny, touching, and wonderfully well written.”
— Kathy Magruder, Pageturners Bookstore, Indianola, IA
By Christina Lauren
Gallery Books
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“Well paced and hilarious, this romantic adventure reunites soulmates on the treasure hunt of a lifetime, and surprising twists raise the stakes. Something Wilder shows the power of staying true to yourself to find your happy ending.”
— Erin Pastore, Water Street Bookstore, Exeter, NH
By Kelly Barnhill
Doubleday
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“This story of an alternate 1950s America, in which rebellious women turn into dragons, is thrilling, subversive, and original. It’s filled with such poignant beauty that deserves to be savored with tissues nearby. Do not miss this one.”
— Gwen Papp, Literati Bookstore, Ann Arbor, MI
By Rebecca Schiller
The Experiment
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“Rebecca Schiller’s poignant insider view of life with ADHD will be a revelation to many, especially women. The definition of neurodivergence continues to expand, and A Thousand Ways to Pay Attention is a groundbreaking addition.”
— Pamela Klinger-Horn, Valley Bookseller, Stillwater, MN
By Lillian Fishman
Hogarth
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“Hands down, the best thing I’ve read in months. Acts of Service complicates well-trod territory — beauty, power, sex, degradation, privilege — in a way that feels honest. Tender, totally absorbing, wholly original. I love this book.”
— Claire Davey, Auntie's Bookstore, Spokane, WA
By Ada Limón
Milkweed Editions
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“Poems about feeling, and what it means to feel too much. Ada Limón has once again released a collection of work that will make readers think, feel deeply, and revisit her work time and time again. This beautiful body of work is not to be missed.”
— Casey Zierler, Papercuts J.P., Boston, MA
By Amanda Bestor-Siegal
William Morrow
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“This book took me completely by surprise as it wormed its way into my heart. An absolutely stunning portrayal of motherhood, wealth, and pretense told through the interconnected stories of the women in a small French neighborhood.”
— Courtney Ulrich Smith, Underbrush Books, Rogers, AR
By Patrick McCabe
Biblioasis
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“Poguemahone celebrates the rowdy lives of siblings. It’s impossible not to get caught up in these exuberant stories, and amidst the hijinks are losses, doubts, and human frailties. A big novel as generous, funny, and sad as life itself.”
— Lori Feathers, Interabang Books, Dallas, TX
By Paul Holes
Celadon Books
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“Cold case investigator Paul Holes takes us behind the crime scene tape as he revisits some of his most notorious cases. Riveting and at times unsettling, Unmasked adeptly straddles the line between personal memoir and tell-all.”
— Tarin Paradise, Naughty Dog Books, Nashville, IN
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“This will top the list of family stories! I adored every minute with the Sullivans. The Chicago setting, baseball, the aftermath of the 2016 election, and the family restaurant at the heart of it all created an unforgettable experience.”
— Amy Traughber, pages: a bookstore, Manhattan Beach, CA
By Rebecca Roanhorse
Gallery / Saga Press
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“I didn’t think it was possible to love a book more than Black Sun, but Rebecca Roanhorse has outdone herself with this follow up adventure. I read it in two sleepless nights and felt hollow returning to boring real life. Counting down to #3!”
— Amy McClelland, Bright Side Bookshop, Flagstaff, AZ
By Don Winslow
William Morrow
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“Winslow’s latest lights a fuse on what is sure to be a stand out trilogy in modern crime writing. That he goes back to the classics gives it a strong foundation, but this is vintage Winslow through and through. I can’t wait for the follow up!”
— Jason Hafer, Reads & Company, Phoenixville, PA
By Mark Haber
Coffee House Press
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“Quietly hilarious, this slim novel encapsulates the absurdity of academia and honors the impact art has on our lives. From compulsive phrases to the judicious reveal of what imploded a friendship, Haber has crafted a marvelous book.”
— Madeline Hausmann, BookPeople, Austin, TX
By Mieko Kawakami, Sam Bett, David Boyd
Europa Editions
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“I remain in awe of Mieko Kawakami’s ability to take life’s quietest moments and give them weight and vibrancy. The emotional depth of the characters feels tangible and familiar. Her work continues to be nothing short of excellence!”
— Kelsey Jagneaux, Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg, FL
Now in Paperback
Indie Next List Selections Come to Paperback
