October 2021 Indie Next List
Cloud Cuckoo Land: A Novel
Anthony Doerr (Scribner)
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“I haven’t felt this hopeful after closing a book in a very long time. What does it mean to be alive? An ageless question, yet throughout time the answer is always human connection and the stories we tell to live, thrive, survive.”
— Julie Slavinsky, Warwick's, La Jolla, CA
October 2021 Indie Next List
Inspired Recommendations from Indie Booksellers
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“Fabulous storytelling, impeccable style, interesting and relatable characters, humor, mystery, and a tremendous understanding of humanity and its foibles. Lincoln Highway is a road trip not to be missed!”
— Trish Brown, One More Page Books, Arlington, VA
By Alix E. Harrow
Tordotcom
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“A refreshing and humorous feminist retelling of Sleeping Beauty, where the villains are not who you remember and the women are stronger than ever.”
— Katie Harveson, Front Street Books, Alpine, TX
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“TJ Klune once again delivers an extraordinary, uplifting story of love, family, grief, and redemption. This story and its characters brought me so much comfort and peace. Highly, highly recommended.”
— Stacey Montalto, BookTowne, Manasquan, NJ
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“Another great novel from the master world-builder. A perfect setup for the final book of the trilogy, which I desperately need right now, please.”
— Amber Brown, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC
By Jocelyn Nicole Johnson
Henry Holt and Co.
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“What Johnson does here is pure genius, allowing the reader to view the story through a lens of past, present, and uncertain future, giving the reader pause for reflection and a sliver of hope.”
— Javier Ramirez, Exile in Bookville, Chicago, IL
By Richard Powers
W. W. Norton & Company
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“Richard Powers is peerless when conveying the intimate and universal in family relationships. Bewilderment is tender, riveting, and true. It took my breath away.”
— Lesley Rains, City of Asylum Bookstore, Pittsburgh, PA
By Sarah Ruhl
Simon & Schuster
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“Sarah Ruhl’s memoir about motherhood and illness is wise and true and generous. This is such a beautiful and important book; I know it will be a tremendously helpful and profound reading experience for many.”
— Keith Mosman, Powell's Books, Portland, OR
By Wiley Cash
William Morrow
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“This addictive, character-driven crime drama has an ending that will take your breath away. Written with subtlety and grace,When Ghosts Come Home will haunt you long after you read its final page.”
— Amanda Gawthorpe, Page 158 Books, Wake Forest, NC
By Chibundu Onuzo
Catapult
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“Onuzo is an incredibly talented author that you should be reading if you aren’t already. This book is certain to be on several awards lists and notable lists. It is definitely on mine!”
— Shane Mullen, Left Bank Books, St. Louis, MO
By Miriam Toews
Bloomsbury Publishing
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“Told from the perspective of a little girl named Swiv, who lives with her pregnant mother and eccentric grandmother, Fight Night is filled with laugh-out-loud, subtle, and smart observations of family dynamics and the human condition.”
— Mia Wigmore, DIESEL, A Bookstore (Brentwood), Brentwood, CA
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“I loved this highly original literary horror novel. Ward does an excellent job in portraying the main characters while slowly peeling back the different layers to the story. Highly recommended.”
— Robert Connolly, Jabberwocky Bookshop & Cafe, Newburyport, MA
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“An incredible narrative about coming of age in the shadow of grief, Ozeki is again in fine form with this new novel, which combines zen wisdom with intricately structured prose.”
— Bennard Fajardo, Politics and Prose Bookstore, Washington, DC
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“This book has it all: a music teacher who sold her soul, a family of alien refugees who run a donut shop, and a trans violinist who changes everything. It cracks open the heart of what it means to exist in the universe.”
— Katherine Nazzaro, Porter Square Books, Cambridge, MA
By Myriam J A. Chancy
Tin House Books
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“The 2010 Haitian earthquake and its aftermath is revealed to us through the stories of 10 intertwining lives, some who survive and others who perish. Stunning in its beauty, horror, and heartbreak.”
— Alana Haley, Schuler Books (Grand Rapids), Grand Rapids, MI
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“Looking for a wildly fun Halloween read? Pick this up! Witches, curses, ghosts, sizzling romance, and a swoon-worthy ending — this rom-com has it all!”
— Carrie Deming, The Dog Eared Book, Palmyra, NY
By Christine Pride, Jo Piazza
Atria Books
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“Lifelong friends, one Black and one white, have their relationship tested after the tragic shooting of an unarmed Black teen. A thought-provoking and timely read.”
— Mary Kay Burnett, Buttonwood Books and Toys, Cohasset, MA
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“Queer witches plotting revenge against the rich boy that played them — need I say more? A laugh-out-loud funny story of heartbreak, nostalgia, and new beginnings wrapped up in spooky fall magic.”
— Emma Reilly, A Likely Story, Sykesville, MD
By Elaine Feeney
Biblioasis
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“I challenge you to not get emotionally invested in the rich, raw, and devastating lives of the characters in this debut novel. I will be thinking about the patients in this hospital ward for a long time to come.”
— Kelly Shrader, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA
By Richard Osman
Pamela Dorman Books
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“This is a super fun continuation of The Thursday Murder Club. I’m very happy to spend more time with Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, Bogdan, and the others!”
— Kira Wizner, Merritt Bookstore, Millbrook, NY
By Helene Tursten, Marlaine Delargy
Soho Crime
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“What a hoot! Maud might be almost 89 years old, but she’s no shrinking violet. She knows how to take care of herself and situations that need fixing. I loved this little treasure of a book!”
— Annette Steinmetz, The Well-Read Moose, Coeur d'Alene, ID
By Alice Hoffman
Simon & Schuster
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“A wonderful conclusion to the series with a new generation of Owens to charm us. For fans who like their books with a good dose of magic, and readers who enjoy a family saga with characters that win you over. What a treat!”
— Laura Taylor, The Oxford Exchange, Tampa, FL
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“A Lot Like Adiós is a heartfelt exploration of first love and mature love, proof positive that, with an open heart and some hard emotional work, you can absolutely go home again.”
— Leah Grover, Bards Alley, Vienna, VA
By Mike DeCapite
Soft Skull
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“This book celebrates the comforts in life: nostalgia, food, art, and new love. Reading Jacket Weather is a beautiful, tense journey through the anxiety of losing what we think makes us complete.”
— Laura Lowry, Mind Chimes Bookshop, Three Lakes, WI
By Doma Mahmoud
Unnamed Press
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“Mahmoud has crafted a beast of a novel with woven points of view, topics that matter, and enough heart to bring on the feels. I can only hope that this debut is just the beginning.”
— Carrie Koepke, Skylark Bookshop, Columbia, MO
Now in Paperback
Indie Next List Selections Come to Paperback
