The May 2022 Indie Next List Preview

Here are the 25 Indie Next List and 6 Now in Paperback picks on the May 2022 Indie Next List flier.

The May title list is also viewable as a collection on Edelweiss and on the Indie Next List page as an Excel file alongside PDFs for the month’s flier and shelf-talker templates. Learn more about ABA’s recent refresh for the Indie Next List program and visit Matchbook Marketing’s program page to sign up to send the free Indie Next List e-newsletter to customers.

Additionally, to mark the start of the new month, the April Indie Next List picks are available as a flier, along with past lists, on the Indie Next List page on BookWeb.org.                               

The 25 May Indie Next List Picks 

#1 Pick: Book Lovers: A Novel
By Emily Henry
(Berkley, 9780593440872, $27, hardcover; 9780593334836, $17, paperback, May 3, Romance)
“This book is perfect. I was so happy to see Emily Henry return to enemies-to-lovers. Dare I say it, Book Lovers is even better than Beach Read! The editor vs agent drama, the small-town checklist, and god, the steamy scenes — read this book!”
—Michelle Stiles, Magers & Quinn Booksellers, Minneapolis, MN

Trust: A Novel
By Hernan Diaz
(Riverhead Books, 9780593420317, $28, May 3, Historical Fiction)
“Hernan Diaz does things I've never seen in a novel before. Trust ties up threads of money and art, family and history, lies and truth. Think historical fiction turned meta, with a beating heart and spectacular writing.”
—Mark Haber, Brazos Bookstore, Houston, TX

Book of Night: A Novel
By Holly Black
(Tor Books, 9781250812193, $27.99, May 3, Fantasy)
“Holly Black’s adult fantasy debut is as chilling, dark, and action-packed as you’d expect. The world of shadow magic is fascinating, the story is an absolute page-turner, and Charlie is messy, clever, and completely relatable.”
—Olivia Marchese, Author’s Note, Medina, NY

Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel
By Shelby Van Pelt
(Ecco, 9780063204157, $27.99, May 3, Fiction)
“Meet a hardworking widow, a lost soul, and a giant Pacific octopus (yes, an octopus) in this heartfelt story that reveals there’s still plenty of living to do for those with their eyes — and hearts — open to the unexpected. A bright debut!”
—Annie Romano, An Unlikely Story, Plainville, MA

The Summer Place: A Novel
By Jennifer Weiner
(Atria Books, 9781501133572, $28.99, May 10, Fiction)
“The Summer Place was my happy place. I saw a bit of myself in each character, and all of the drama a family can experience in a lifetime. I was laughing out loud, anxious about the characters and plot lines, and just could not put this one down!”
—Tim Ehrenberg, Nantucket Bookworks, Nantucket, MA

Spear: A Novel
By Nicola Griffith
(Tordotcom, 9781250819321, $19.99, Apr. 19, Fantasy)
“Griffith does it again! I could read 200 more pages of this gorgeous, moody reimagining of one of the many tales surrounding King Arthur. It reminded me of Alex Myers’ The Story of Silence in its exploration of the gender (non)binary.”
—Elayna Trucker, Napa Bookmine, Napa, CA

Siren Queen: A Novel
By Nghi Vo
(Tordotcom, 9781250788832, $26.99, May 10, Fantasy)
“Nghi Vo’s vision of magic in 1920s Hollywood enriches the protagonist’s transformation and shows readers all that was at stake for those in the early film industry. Siren Queen reminds us of all that the term ‘movie magic’ implies.”
—Katarina Diepholz, Charter Books, Newport, RI

The Book Woman's Daughter: A Novel
By Kim Michele Richardson
(Sourcebooks Landmark, 9781728252995, $26.99, hardcover; 9781728242590, $16.99, paperback, May 3, Historical Fiction)
“While never overplaying the drama, Honey’s story captures the struggles and discrimination women faced in the 1950s and their fight for dignity. Honoring the power of women’s friendships, this rich sequel speaks to our present.”
—Jan Blodgett, Main Street Books, Davidson, NC

Love Marriage: A Novel
By Monica Ali
(Scribner, 9781982181475, $27.99, May 3, Fiction)
“A modern-day, page-turning family saga. Beautifully written with deeply intelligent emotional reflections on the complexity within each of us, this is for anyone invested in the ways of the heart — what it wants, and if it can be trusted.”
—Page Berger, Barrett Bookstore, Darien, CT

Woman, Eating: A Novel
By Claire Kohda
(HarperVia, 9780063140882, $26.99, Apr. 12, Fiction)
“A subtle, understated vampire book. Lydia is mixed-race, mixed-species, and trying to make it on her own. Her hunger and desire to be human lead to complicated relationships with food and her friends. This one’s oh-so-satisfying.”
—Maggie Henriksen, Carmichael’s Bookstore, Louisville, KY

Kaikeyi: A Novel
By Vaishnavi Patel
(Redhook, 9780759557338, $28, Apr. 26, Historical Fiction)
“I was swept away in this richly told story of Kaikeyi. A fresh, feminist, and powerful depiction of the vilified queen of the Ramayana, full of mythology and utterly captivating. Kaikeyi is a fiercely told story of power, fate, and love.”
—Kelly Orazi, Mysterious Galaxy Books, San Diego, CA

Nettle & Bone: A Novel
By T. Kingfisher
(Tor Books, 9781250244048, $25.99, Apr. 26, Fantasy)
“I don’t know how I lived this long without T. Kingfisher. Nettle & Bone has everything: a princess on a quest, a goblin market, a fairy godmother, a demon chicken (wait, what!). It’s fresh, funny, touching, and wonderfully well written.”
—Kathy Magruder, Pageturners Bookstore, Indianola, IA

Something Wilder
By Christina Lauren
(Gallery Books, 9781982173401, $26.99, May 17, Romance)
“Well paced and hilarious, this romantic adventure reunites soulmates on the treasure hunt of a lifetime, and surprising twists raise the stakes. Something Wilder shows the power of staying true to yourself to find your happy ending.”
—Erin Pastore, Water Street Bookstore, Exeter, NH

When Women Were Dragons: A Novel
By Kelly Barnhill
(Doubleday, 9780385548229, $28, May 3, Fiction)
“This story of an alternate 1950s America, in which rebellious women turn into dragons, is thrilling, subversive, and original. It’s filled with such poignant beauty that deserves to be savored with tissues nearby. Do not miss this one.”
—Gwen Papp, Literati Bookstore, Ann Arbor, MI

A Thousand Ways to Pay Attention: A Memoir of Coming Home to My Neurodivergent Mind
By Rebecca Schiller
(The Experiment, 9781615198801, $25.95, Apr. 26, Memoir)
“Rebecca Schiller’s poignant insider view of life with ADHD will be a revelation to many, especially women. The definition of neurodivergence continues to expand, and A Thousand Ways to Pay Attention is a groundbreaking addition.”
—Pamela Klinger-Horn, Valley Bookseller, Stillwater, MN

Acts of Service: A Novel
By Lillian Fishman
(Hogarth, 9780593243763, $27, May 3, Fiction)
“Hands down, the best thing I’ve read in months. Acts of Service complicates well-trod territory — beauty, power, sex, degradation, privilege — in a way that feels honest. Tender, totally absorbing, wholly original. I love this book.”
—Claire Davey, Auntie’s Bookstore, Spokane, WA

The Hurting Kind: Poems
By Ada Limón
(Milkweed Editions, 9781639550494, $22, May 10, Poetry)
“Poems about feeling, and what it means to feel too much. Ada Limón has once again released a collection of work that will make readers think, feel deeply, and revisit her work time and time again. This beautiful body of work is not to be missed.”
—Casey Zierler, Papercuts J.P., Boston, MA

The Caretakers: A Novel
By Amanda Bestor-Siegal
(William Morrow, 9780063138186, $27.99, Apr. 12, Fiction)
“This book took me completely by surprise as it wormed its way into my heart. An absolutely stunning portrayal of motherhood, wealth, and pretense told through the interconnected stories of the women in a small French neighborhood.”
—Courtney Ulrich Smith, Underbrush Books, Rogers, AR

Poguemahone
By Patrick McCabe
(Biblioasis, 9781771964739, $21.95, paperback, May 3, Fiction)
“Poguemahone celebrates the rowdy lives of siblings. It’s impossible not to get caught up in these exuberant stories, and amidst the hijinks are losses, doubts, and human frailties. A big novel as generous, funny, and sad as life itself.”
—Lori Feathers, Interabang Books, Dallas, TX

Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases
By Paul Holes
(Celadon Books, 9781250622792, $28.99, Apr. 26, True Crime)
“Cold case investigator Paul Holes takes us behind the crime scene tape as he revisits some of his most notorious cases. Riveting and at times unsettling, Unmasked adeptly straddles the line between personal memoir and tell-all.”
—Tarin Paradise, Naughty Dog Books, Nashville, IN

Marrying the Ketchups: A Novel
By Jennifer Close
(Knopf, 9780525658870, $28, Apr. 26, Fiction)
“This will top the list of family stories! I adored every minute with the Sullivans. The Chicago setting, baseball, the aftermath of the 2016 election, and the family restaurant at the heart of it all created an unforgettable experience.”
—Amy Traughber, pages: a bookstore, Manhattan Beach, CA

Fevered Star (Between Earth and Sky #2)
By Rebecca Roanhorse
(Gallery/Saga Press, 9781534437739, $27.99, Apr. 19, Fantasy)
“I didn’t think it was possible to love a book more than Black Sun, but Rebecca Roanhorse has outdone herself with this follow up adventure. I read it in two sleepless nights and felt hollow returning to boring real life. Counting down to #3!”
—Amy McClelland, Bright Side Bookshop, Flagstaff, AZ

City on Fire: A Novel
By Don Winslow
(William Morrow, 9780062851192, $28.99, Apr. 26, Thriller)
“Winslow’s latest lights a fuse on what is sure to be a stand out trilogy in modern crime writing. That he goes back to the classics gives it a strong foundation, but this is vintage Winslow through and through. I can’t wait for the follow up!”
—Jason Hafer, Reads & Company, Phoenixville, PA

Saint Sebastian’s Abyss: A Novel
By Mark Haber
(Coffee House Press, 9781566896368, $16.95, paperback, May 10, Fiction)
“Quietly hilarious, this slim novel encapsulates the absurdity of academia and honors the impact art has on our lives. From compulsive phrases to the judicious reveal of what imploded a friendship, Haber has crafted a marvelous book.”
—Madeline Hausmann, BookPeople, Austin, TX

All the Lovers in the Night: A Novel
By Mieko Kawakami, Sam Bett (Transl.), David Boyd (Transl.)
(Europa Editions, 9781609456993, $28, May 3, Fiction)
“I remain in awe of Mieko Kawakami’s ability to take life’s quietest moments and give them weight and vibrancy. The emotional depth of the characters feels tangible and familiar. Her work continues to be nothing short of excellence!”
—Kelsey Jagneaux, Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg, FL

The 6 Now in Paperback Titles

Damnation Spring: A Novel
By Ash Davidson
(Scribner, 9781982144418, $17.99, May 3, Fiction)
“With this debut set in a Pacific Northwest logging town, Ash Davidson has immediately established herself as a true writer of the American experience, in all its potential for self-destruction and beauty.”
—Josh Popkin, Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, MA

The Forest of Vanishing Stars: A Novel
By Kristin Harmel
(Gallery Books, 9781982158941, $17.99, May 3, Historical Fiction)
“A little girl is kidnapped from her parents and raised in the wilderness. As a young woman, she uses her skills to help Jewish refugees survive in the forests of Poland. From the first page, I didn’t want to put the book down.”
—Jill Gregory, A Likely Story, Sykesville, MD

Gold Diggers: A Novel
By Sanjena Sathian
(Penguin Books, 9781984882059, $17, Apr. 19, Fiction)
“An extraordinary yarn of two generations of American-Indian immigrants with love, drugs, alchemy, and stories of the gold rush — both the 49ers and the tech bubble. A fun, fast-paced, seriously good book by a seriously talented writer.”
—Françoise Brodsky, Shakespeare & Co., New York, NY

House of Sticks: A Memoir
By Ly Tran
(Scribner, 9781501118821, $17.99, May 10, Memoir)
“This timely book follows the life of a young woman whose family immigrates to New York from Vietnam. A heartbreaking look at the challenges of PTSD, poverty, and mental illness, Ly Tran’s story is one of hope that is much needed today.”
—Alecia Diane Castro, Sweet Home Books, Wetumpka, AL

The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois: A Novel
By Honorée Fanonne Jeffers
(Harper Perennial, 9780062942951, $20, May 10, Fiction)
“This is the best book I’ve read this year. An ambitious debut novel tracing the history of one family against the backdrop of American history, showing the stories that are remembered and the ones that are forgotten.”
—Benedict Tanter, Main Point Books, Wayne, PA

On Lighthouses
By Jazmina Barrera, Christina MacSweeney (Transl.)
(Two Lines Press, 9781949641349, $12.95, May 3, Essays)
“On Lighthouses is a thoughtful meditation on isolation and connection, seeking out lonely lighthouses to dig deep into a solitary ‘collecting’ process. The book is not urgent, but possibly the thing needed to keep us from the rocks.”
—Helen Zuckerman, Community Bookstore, Brooklyn, NY