Indies Introduce Interview

“In Cairo Circles, Doma Mahmoud gracefully explores how expectations — socioeconomic, cultural, emotional — both separate and bring us together," said Amanda Qassar of Warwick’s in La Jolla, California.

“What a vivid and chilling story,” said Kim Brock of Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati, Ohio.

"Read it once, read it again, then look for more poetry by Velasquez," said  Connie Griffin of Bookworks.

Audrey Huang of Belmont Books called My Monticello “one fantastic collection of short stories.”

"This suspenseful and inspiring story of war, migration, and the determination of one young girl has left me excited for Petra’s future," said Brein Lopez of Children's Book World. 

Kelsy April of Bank Square Books and Title IX Books in Mystic, CT, and Savoy Bookshop in Westerly, RI, called the book “Incredible. Poetic. Jaw dropping.”

“I can't wait to discuss Mrs. March with customers,” said Carrie Koepke of Skylark Books, “perhaps over a freshly baked loaf of olive bread.”

"So’s book is a glittering example of what the best story collections do — welcome you fully into a world and render it with diamond-cut detail and deep-well empathy," said Chris Lee of Boswell Book Company.

“Fox & I is a beautifully-written, thoughtful blend of memoir and nature writing that will inform and inspire and make you feel,” said Ariana Paliobagis of Country Bookshelf.

Abby Rauscher of Books Are Magic called Don’t Hate the Player “by far one of my top favorite YA novels to have come out within the last few years — it’s sharp, smart, funny, and the voice is absolutely incredible.” 

“Paul Mendez has crafted an enlightening story that is rich with culture and resolute in challenging the Black queer monoliths in literature," said Deidre Dumpson of WORD Bookstores.

"Though filled with struggle and pain, House of Sticks manages to glide on wings of hope and possibility," said Carrie Koepke of Skylark Bookshop.

“I was deeply impressed with this fantasy novel and its connections with Hungarian and Jewish mythology and folklore," said Olivia Edmunds-Diez of Boulder Book Store.

Chris Lee of Boswell Book Company said of Catch The Rabbit, "It’s a story of how a person can misunderstand her friend and herself and then be completely wrecked and rebuilt as she grows to a new understanding of her world. Prepare to be split in two.”

On The Passing Playbook, Brien Lopez of Children's Book World said, “Isaac Fitzsimons has scored a goal for Trans Boy Joy."