Indies Introduce Interview

Jennifer Chambliss Bertman is the author of Book Scavenger, a Summer/Fall 2015 Indies Introduce pick. “Book Scavenger has just the right ingredients for the perfect middle-grade novel,” said Angie Tally of The Country Bookshop.

Naomi Jackson is the author of The Star Side of Bird Hill, a Summer/Fall 2015 Indies Introduce title. “Reminiscent of Jamaica Kincaid, Jackson’s coming-of-age tale makes Barbados spring from the page with humor, beauty, and heartbreak,” said Amanda Hurley of Inkwood Books.

Brian Panowich is the author of Bull Mountain, a Summer/Fall 2015 Indies Introduce title. Bookseller Bill Carl called Bull Mountain “a stunning crime fiction debut, a hillbilly noir that has its roots embedded firmly in the soil of Elmore Leonard and Daniel Woodrell.” 

Cassie Beasley is the author of Circus Mirandus, a Summer/Fall 2015 Indies Introduce title for middle grade readers. “Thrilling performances, exotic animals, and the constant promise of surprise make circuses seem magical. In Circus Mirandus, the magic isn’t an illusion, but rather very real — and astounding!” said Christopher Rose of Andover Bookstore.

Kelly Loy Gilbert is the author of Conviction, a Spring 2015 Indies Introduce title for young adults. Jill Hendrix of Fiction Addiction said the book is one she would “highly recommend for both adults and teens.” 

Déborah Lévy-Bertherat is the author of The Travels of Daniel Ascher, a Spring 2015 Indies Introduce title for adults. Lyn Roberts of Square Books called the debut “rich, multilayered, and moving.”

Kelly Jones is the author of Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer, a Spring 2015 Indies Introduce debut title for middle-grade readers. Tegan Tigani of Queen Anne Book Company said this Summer Kids’ Indie Next List pick was “sweet and funny, with a touch of magic and tons of chickens!”

Leslie Parry is the author of Church of Marvels (Ecco), a Spring 2015 Indies Introduce debut novel for adults. “Church of Marvels is in the same realm as The Night Circus and you will not be disappointed whatsoever with this fabulous work of debut fiction,” said Annie Philbrick of Bank Square Books.

Sabaa Tahir is the author of An Ember in the Ashes, a Spring 2015 Indies Introduce title for young adults. “The world-making here is astounding and will consume your every thought until the very last page — and even then you won’t want to let go,” said Sarah Chen of Mysterious Galaxy.

Robin Stevens is the author of the Spring 2015 Indies Introduce debut novel for middle grade readers Murder Is Bad Manners. “I loved this book for its utterly relatable characters, its enticing narrative voice, and pitch-perfect representation of an all-girls school social dynamic,” said Maggie Tokuda-Hall, formerly of Books Inc.

Lance Rubin is the author of Denton Little’s Deathdate, a Spring 2015 Indies Introduce novel for young adults. Cristin Stickles of McNally Jackson Books called the debut “a truly original and fantastic conceit.”

Tommy Wallach is the author of We All Looked Up, a Spring 2015 Indies Introduce debut young adult novel. The story is “a twist on the apocalyptic novel,” said Sarah Chen of Mysterious Galaxy, and filled with “gorgeous writing that evokes emotion and depth.”

Nina MacLaughlin is the author of the Spring 2015 Indies Introduce adult nonfiction title Hammer Head: The Making of a Carpenter, which Carol Schneck Varner of Schuler Books & Music called “an absolutely fascinating memoir.”

John Renehan is the author of the Spring 2015 Indies Introduce debut adult fiction selection The Valley, which Carol Schneck Varner of Schuler Books & Music called “a powerful, fast-paced page-turner of a war novel.”

David Arnold is the author of the Winter/Spring 2015 Indies Introduce New Voices title Mosquitoland. Tegan Tigani of Queen Anne Book Company said Mosquitoland “provides laughs, empathy, and quote-worthy passages. I loved it!”