Indies Introduce Summer / Fall 2024

“A super fun and queer space opera that follows a group of late twenty-somethings on a journey they never anticipated. This was a fun, engaging, and quick read. Any queer person out there will be able to see the roots of a found family in Cleo’s group — and the U-Haul lesbians U-Hauling at light speed. This was the book I needed to get out of a reading slump, so thank you Emily Hamilton for that and the group of queers that will be living rent free in my head for a while.”

“O.O. Sangoyomi’s debut is a fast-paced page turner set in 15th century West Africa, featuring a young woman who finds herself undergoing extreme changes in her social status in a short time. Òdòdó is kidnapped and thrown into a fraught environment where she has to deal with politics, intrigue, and finding her place. It’s riveting and fascinating — a great piece about women finding their power.”

“The Dallergut Dream Department Store is a sparkly, fun, and engaging read. Full of whimsy, wonder, a light-hearted debut. Definitely a book that’s like walking into a dream.”

“What starts as a creepy horror book quickly becomes a mystery based on history and the process of acknowledging the wrongs of the past. With a diverse cast of characters, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat while incorporating themes of race, neurodiversity, friendship and family bonds. An interesting, fun, and slightly scary read!”

“The most wonderful burst of angsty teen nostalgia! I am so in love with Mina, Caplan, and their group of friends. Just when you think you know exactly how this book is going to go, it does the absolute best thing and goes the way you wish it would instead. Honestly,  I was cracking up and tearing up throughout. Daisy Garrison has perfectly captured the banter of the teenage girl, the thought process of the teenage boy (or, sometimes lack thereof), and that achy, wonderful ‘please don't let it end’ pang. Absolutely recommend this to kick off your summer!”

“Brett’s in a downward spiral: his relationship with food has become unhealthy, and despite his support system, there's something major holding him back from asking for help. I loved the honest and vulnerable portrayal of Brett's best-friendship with Reed, who's desperate to help but who feels locked out by Brett's pride and shame. Ostracized but fiercely independent Mallory serves as Brett's Mr. Miyagi, challenging him to frank discussions about race, feminism, diet culture — flipping the script on toxic masculinity and chipping away at his self-loathing. It's Brett's voice, wise-cracking, sensitive, and emotionally raw, that carries his story with a surprisingly light hand. Every page holds love. Every page is a nudge towards self-acceptance. This hero story absolutely demolished my heart.”