The American Booksellers Association’s Indie Gift Guide for Genre Lovers will be available both in print and as a free e-newsletter delivered to customers by email via Matchbook Marketing. Print editions of the guide will be included in the September box mailings. On October 15, the e-newsletter will be sent to customers of stores that have signed up to send the Indie Next for Reading Groups lists.
This guide includes the following categories: Romance, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Mystery & Thriller, Graphic Works, and Poetry. The tiles are also available as an Edelweiss collection.
The titles appearing in the Indie Gift Guide are:
Romance
Bloom Town: Genesis: A Novel
By Ally North
(Dell, 9798217374861, Paperback, $20, Nov. 24)
“Bloom Town completely swept me away. A preacher’s daughter and the outlaw on opposite sides of the law, forced into each other's orbit. What follows is an unforgettable, sapphic, enemies-to-lovers story packed with action, adventure, secrets and enough tension to keep the pages turning. The chemistry between the leading ladies crackles off the page.”
—Talia Woods, Bound & Vine, Fayetteville, NC
Devour Me: A Novel
By Emily Rath
(Avon, 9780063484764, Paperback, $22, Aug. 4)
“This book is an absolute masterpiece. Rath takes you on a journey of self discovery and love, teaching us to truly expect the unexpected. The character growth alone is beyond anything I have previously read. A true artist amongst all genres, Rath once again delivers and does not hold back. This book will play with your heart like no other.”
—Elle Polito, A Novel Romance, Louisville, KY
In Every Future, It's Us
By Katie Naymon
(Berkley, 9798217189946, Paperback, $20, Dec. 1)
“The PERFECT romance for this upcoming holiday season! Follow childhood best friends Florence and Tom back and forth through the timeline of their friendship in the ultimate will they/won't they, friends-to-lovers story. Can men and women really ever be just friends? After reading this...I’m not so sure!”
—Gabi Consalvo, Anderson's Bookshops, Naperville, IL
Most Ardently Yours: A Novel
By Freya Sampson
(Sourcebooks Landmark, 9781464277894, Hardcover, $32.99; 9781464264764, Paperback, $18.99, July 7)
“Who knew there could still be an original riff on Pride and Prejudice?! This book has plenty for Austen fans to appreciate, but its strength lies in the integration of the contemporary storyline in a satisfying way that leaves just enough unsaid to allow readers to wonder about their own what-ifs.”
—Julie Schultz, This House of Books, Billings, MT
Ship Happens: A Novel
By Mason Deaver
(Avon, 9780063394346, Paperback, $18.99, Aug. 18)
“This wonderful and queer second-chance romance has my heart! Both Owen and Jacob are written with such love — Mason Deaver is an artist! The characters pop in a very realistic way. Not only do they have flaws, they also have money anxiety and real life feelings and stresses and everything real. I loved this book!”
—Wendy Withers, Books Are Awesome, Parker, CO
The Winged Game: A Novel
By Sophie Kim
(Del Rey, 9780593983362, $32.99, June 30)
“The Winged Game is the perfect blend of romantasy and sports romance. It’s the genre-blend I didn’t know I was looking for. Taissa and Kion’s chemistry leaps off the page from the moment the story starts. Sophie Kim balances multiple intricate plot arcs seamlessly while not only building tension but propelling the story fabulously.”
—Preet Singh, Eagle Eye Book Shop, Decatur, GA
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
As You Wake, Break the Shell: A Novel
By Becky Chambers
(Harper Voyager, 9780062936066, $32, Oct. 13)
“Becky Chambers knows how to tug at my heartstrings like no one else. This beautifully crafted novel explores found family, surviving vs. thriving, connection, and love in a myriad of forms both achingly familiar and wonderfully strange. I cried more than once, and cannot wait for what's to follow.”
—Katie Westlake, Eagle Harbor Book Company, Bainbridge Island, WA
Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice: A Novel
By Gracie Marsden
(Viking, 9780593834084, $30, Nov. 10)
“An intricate, haunting story that I was glued to and finished in one whirlwind afternoon. Fantastical and yet incredibly human — heart-wrenching, devastating, and everything I could possibly hope for in a debut novel. I can’t wait to read more from Gracie Marsden!”
—Sabina Carty, Literati Bookstore, Ann Arbor, MI
Dominion
By Jean Kwok
(G.P. Putnam's Sons, 9798217044368, $32, July 14)
“Dominion is a lush fantasy romance based on Chinese mythology. A good balance of romance and gorgeous world building set this novel apart from the romantasy pack! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this trilogy.”
—Fisher Nash, Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville, KY
The Salt King: A Novel
By Natasha Pulley
(Bloomsbury Publishing, 9781639737291, $29.99, Aug. 18)
“Another phenomenal, magical read from the magnificent Natasha Pulley! I’m still stunned by how Pulley is able to weave such intricate, compelling stories, with this one becoming an instant favorite of mine. I loved the characters in this, the exploration of faith and myth, and how beautiful the writing style is.”
—Mirna Villeda, Godmothers, Summerland, CA
Scion
By James Islington
(S&S/Saga Press, 9781668239247, $28, Sept. 1)
“When a contract killer with a troubled backstory gets hired to protect a mysterious old woman, he knows chaos must be just around the corner. With prescient political commentary and inventive cyberpunk worldbuilding, this hooked me from the very first chapter!”
—Bronte Lebo, The Bookshop, Nashville, TN
Steelborn (Deluxe Limited Edition)
By Taylor J. LaRue
(Requited, 9780316599412, Hardcover, $32; 9780316601627, Standard Hardcover, $30, Aug. 4)
“Romantasy done RIGHT. In LaRue's hands, beloved tropes and concepts are given new life and heart, from Reya the hardened heroine with a tragic backstory to the immortal who cannot help but fall for her despite himself. From the slow burn romance, to the complex world building and politics, LaRue has built a richly woven world and characters that I fell in love with.”
—Sarah Sedor-George, Bookish, Modesto, CA
Mystery & Thriller
Brain Damage
By Freida McFadden
(Poisoned Pen Press, 9781464290817, Hardcover, $32.99; 9781464249617, Paperback, $18.99, Aug. 18)
“This thriller hooked me immediately with its high-concept premise and never let up once. Watching Charly try to piece together her own memories while knowing someone may still want her dead creates such an intense sense of paranoia and urgency. This is an addictive, razor-sharp thriller that will absolutely fly off the shelves.”
—Blake Langrehr, Main Street Books, St. Charles, MO
Catch the Devil: A True Story of Murder, Deception, and Injustice on the Gulf Coast
By Pamela Colloff
(Knopf, 9780593230862, $32, July 14)
“The mind-boggling, unbelievable, but absolutely true story of a serial con-man and jailhouse snitch who sent several men to death row. This moving and thrilling book explodes many myths about our justice system.”
—Timothy Benz, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cincinnati, OH
The Death Row Club
By V. A. Vazquez
(Gallery/Scout Press, 9781668217627, Hardcover, $29; 9781668241929, Paperback, $18, July 14)
“V. A. Vazquez has written an enthralling story about the adult children of serial killers. A darkly fascinating look at the usually unspoken horrors that killers leave behind which asks how far you’ll go to protect yourself and your family.”
—Kris Stephens, Watermark Books & Cafe, Wichita, KS
It Could Have Been Her: A Novel
By Lisa Jewell
(Atria Books, 9781668033906, Hardcover, $29; 9781668246481, Paperback, $18, June 23)
“It Could Have Been Her is a haunting, unsettling story that will linger with you long after you turn the final page. Fans of Lisa’s darker thrillers like Then She Was Gone and The Family Upstairs are going to eat this up like candy. It’s disturbing yet fascinating.”
—Dallas Strawn, Pelican Bookstore, Sunset Beach, NC
Last Night Was Killer: A Novel
By Mary Pauline Lowry
(William Morrow, 9780063451117, $30, July 7)
“A laugh-out-loud funny mystery that kept me guessing and invested. It’s impossible to not love Tilly Turner. Single mom, temporarily unemployed, grieving the loss of her mother…and a novice pole dancer who finds a dead body in her trunk. For anyone looking for a fun escape from their day to day. (Aren't we all at this point?)”
—Kelly Blazo, 2 Dandelions Bookshop, Brighton, MI
There Used to Be People Here
By Kennedy Cole
(Berkley, 9798217187119, $30, Nov. 3)
“Do you like reading about the complexities of Black and queer identities in the ‘70s? Do you enjoy cosmic horror a-la Invasion of the Body Snatchers? Are you, like me, deeply invested in W. E. B. DuBois’ theory of double consciousness? It doesn't actually matter which questions you said yes to, you should read this book anyway.”
—Grace Enright, The Bookstore of Glen Ellyn, Glen Ellyn, IL
Graphic Works
Champion of the Rose, Vol. 1
By Cat Aquino, Dominique Duran
(VIZ Media, 9781974739158, $16.99, July 14)
“A ferocious powerhouse of a fantasy. I hardly ever get to see Spanish and South American fantasy influences. Champions, victory, and blood — lots of blood. What choices remain meaningful in the face of destruction and oppression while lives continue to be lost and power imbalanced? How can you pave a brighter path at your darkest hour?”
—Lana Repic, E. Shaver, Bookseller, Savannah, GA
Daughter of a Thousand Faces: Volume #1 (The Comic)
By Velinxi
(Inklore, 9780593870846, $30, Aug. 25)
“The artwork is lovely in this — the colors are rich and vibrant. A fun entry into the xianxia genre, this story is a fantasy mixed with Chinese mythology and culture. Perfect for fans of xianxia, or those just discovering it for the first time, volume one of Daughter of a Thousand Faces is delightful.”
—Ashlee Marin, The Briar Patch, Bangor, ME
Framing Emmett Till: Exposing Dark Fear
By Christopher Benson, Eric Battle (Illus.)
(Abrams ComicArts — Megascope, 9781419742279, $27.99, Oct. 27)
“Emmett Till’s murder marked the death of innocence in America. Through one mother’s search for truth amid manipulative media and fear, Framing Emmett Till sheds new light on a tragedy that continues to shape our national conscience.”
—Jewell Petrowitz, Books & Company, Oconomowoc, WI
I Can't Stop Thinking About Horses and Sex
By Lisa Hanawalt
(Drawn and Quarterly, 9781770469129, $25, Oct. 20)
“An exploration of trauma and obsession that felt like a deeply personal show-and-tell experience from a deeply horny horse girl — I loved every minute of it! Both funny and moving, this graphic memoir also had plenty of standalone illustrations in Hanawalt’s signature style and humor that add a lil’ extra to the already imaginative narrative!”
—Elena Jove, Left Bank Books, St. Louis, MO
Instant Noodles and Beyond: A Comic Book with Recipes for Souped-Up Ramen, Mac & Cheese, and More
By Robin Ha
(Harvest, 9780063437142, $25, Aug. 25)
“Do NOT read this book hungry. That was my first mistake. The second one was to store onions with potatoes. What else have I been doing wrong? A LOT. This book will teach you everything you have to learn about Ramen, Mac & Cheese and more, in a simple, easy to learn way, with perfect illustrations. You’ll learn a lot, have fun, and hopefully be a better cook…or just a cook. There’s hope for me yet.”
—Andrea Iriarte, Molly's Bookstore, Melrose, MA
LYNX, Vol. 1
By Samuel Sattin, tokitokoro (Illus.)
(VIZ Media, 9781974751440, $16.99, Aug. 11)
“The art? Phenomenal. The story? Original. The characters? Fascinating. LYNX is a recipe for perfection. Sattin drops the reader straight into a dystopian world where people live in perpetual winter and can augment themselves. I need the follow-up to this sci-fi mystery ASAP!”
—Mallory Sutton, Bards Alley, Vienna, VA
Poetry
A Bowl of Goodness: Nourishing Poems with a Side of Soup, Celebrating Community, Friendship, and Resilience
By Major Jackson, Hélène Blanc (Illus.)
(Storey Publishing, LLC, 9798897080007, $25, Oct. 13)
“Both poetry and soup ask us to stop, breathe, and savor — a moment of spontaneous mindfulness requiring no timer or instruction. This collection brings them together: poems of comfort and nourishment with 24 terrific soup recipes. I want more recipes from poets.”
—Jennifer Carney, Sidetrack Bookshop, Royal Oak, MI
Cloud Runner: Poems
By Joy Harjo
(W. W. Norton & Company, 9781324123651, $26.99, Oct. 13)
“Joy Harjo’s latest collection is both a meditation on grief and a celebration of the ways that art can heal. Cloud Runner is an immediate, powerful collection that reminds us that poetry, music, and art are essential ways of reckoning with and loving our world even when grief seems too much to bear.”
—Caleb Masters, Bookmarks, Winston-Salem, NC
Fruit of Life: Poems, A Bilingual Edition
By Kim Myeong-sun, Eunice Lee (Transl.)
(Rutgers University Press, 9781978846517, $24.95, Sept. 8)
“Kim Myeong-sun was Korea’s first published woman writer. Born into colonized Korea, she was an anti-colonial feminist force. These poems advocate for the love women share with each other, amongst family, friends, and ‘beloveds,’ in a time when women, their feelings and authority, were dismissed or targeted by the standards of patriarchy and colonization.”
—Tricia Kiehn, Auntie's Bookstore, Spokane, WA
Party Line: Poems
By Kyle Carrero Lopez
(Graywolf Press, 9781644453988, $17, July 7)
“Kyle Carrero Lopez's Party Line is a revelation. Self aware and fun at the same time, this collection covers everything from the titular party to politics with ease and style. I can’t wait to see what comes next from this incredible talent.”
—Laurel Kane, White Whale Bookstore, Pittsburgh, PA
Splendor: Trans Poets
By Sarah Coolidge (Ed.)
(Two Lines Press, 9781966192022, $17, Sept. 1)
“A dazzling array of poems. Splendor stitches together dreamlike sequences, where trans bodies exist wholly in the world and the imaginary. Gallop, swim, carve, fantasize and descend into this glittering collection. I enjoyed the side by side translations!”
—Rowen Abernathy-Wee, Literati Bookstore, Ann Arbor, MI
Staying Still
By Hieu Minh Nguyen
(Tin House, 9781638934707, $18, Sept. 1)
“Hieu Minh Nguyen writes about loneliness like no one else. These poems are somehow both gentle and devastating, playful and deeply considered. I delighted in their range of emotion and intention.”
—Lucy Tan, Secret Garden Bookshop, Seattle, WA