We talked with independent booksellers across the country and asked them what new books they are recommending. From highly anticipated books coming out in 2024 to beloved store favorites, here are what they are telling their customers to read right now:

Prairie Lights Books

An independent bookstore based in Iowa City, Iowa since 1978.

MARTYR! By Kaveh Akbar (Knopf)

“This terrific new novel hurts in the ways the world hurts but it also finds rewards in humor, absurdity, and connection that somehow makes it all bearable. LOVE this book!”

Grief is for People by Sloane Crosley (MCD Books)

“This extremely moving and well-written book tells the story about the publishing industry and the priceless relationships we build.”

Splinters by Leslie Jamison (Little, Brown and Company)

“Another amazing literary feat from Leslie Jamison- treading the fine line between pain and joy in the closest relationships we have in our lifetimes.”

The Road from Belhaven by Margot Livesey (Knopf)

“What a plunge into historical Scotland! This marvelous protagonist with a gift is riveting!”

The Waters by Bonnie Jo Campbell ( W.W. Norton & Company)

“This is another soon-to-be-classic testament to female strength, from prose master Bonnie Jo Campbell!”

Under the Umbrella Bookstore

A queer-owned bookstore in Salt Lake City, Utah that shares and celebrates queer books written by queer authors while offering a safe, sober, and accessible space for 2SLGBTQIA+ people to gather.

Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas (Feiwel & Friends)

I have not forgiven Aiden for the cliffhanger he left us with at the end of The Sunbearer Trials, and I can’t wait to see how our favorite semidioses make it through the trials in this finale.”

The Flicker by H.E. Edgmon (Feiwel & Friends)

“The only thing better than a queer post-apocalyptic novel is a queer post-apocalyptic novel told through an Indigenous lens. This is a story perspective I'm excited to see.”

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune (Tor Books)

“The forthcoming publication of Somewhere Beyond the Sea was the surprise announcement of the year! I can’t believe we get to reenter the world of Linus, Arthur, and the inhabitants of Marsyas Island.”

Sheine Lende by Darcie Little Badger (Levine Querido)

“Darcie Little Badger is one of my all-time favorite authors, and I am so excited to revisit the world of Elatsoe. Darcie’s gorgeous world-building and character development are top tier.”

Disability Intimacy by Alice Wong (Vintage)

“I can’t think of a timelier book than this, discussing bodily autonomy, rising healthcare costs, access, and community. Alice never disappoints, and this is sure to be an impressive collection.”

Neighborhood Books

Located in Presque Isle, Maine Neighborhood Books carries new books and bookish sidelines for babies to adults.

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas (Bloomsbury Publishing)

“Maas' ACOTAR series was huge in 2023 at our store, so many of our customers are waiting to continue her Crescent City series with House of Flame and Shadow.”

The Women by Kristin Hannah (St. Martin’s Press)

“So many of our readers have fallen in love with Hannah's writing, especially her historical fiction works. All of our historical fiction lovers are anticipating her newest historical fiction novel about women nurses serving during the Vietnam War.”

The Teacher by Freida McFadden (Poisoned Pen Press)

“McFadden writes fast-paced mystery/thrillers that are easy to read and enjoy. McFadden's books always include a twist that you'll never see coming!”

Funny Story by Emily Henry (Berkley Books)

“Henry always provides rom-com lovers with a new summer read to enjoy on the beach!”

Pitch Dark by Paul Doiron (Minotaur Books)

“Doiron is a Maine author continuing his game warden detective series with his newest book, Pitch Dark. We have many readers who enjoy his books for the action and mystery, as well as for the places referenced in the books that are local to them that they love so well.”

The Book Bungalow

The Book Bungalow is an independent community-focused bookstore located in the city of St George in southern Utah.

The Murder of Mr. Ma by John Shen Yen Nee and SJ Rozan (Soho Crime)

“This historical mystery set in 1920s London is like nothing else our Mystery/Thriller Book Club has ever read according to one of our booksellers and even features a couple of well-known literary figures.”

The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the C.I.A by Liza Mundy (Crown Publishing)

“I've been a confirmed C.I.A fanatic ever since my father revealed his past service there, but you rarely hear about the women there and this is a fascinating read.”

The Cave: A Secret Underground Hospital and One Woman’s Story of Survival in Syria by Amani Ballour and Rania Abouzeid (National Geographic)

“Looking forward to this for our International Literature Book Club. We need a heroic story out of the Middle East these days.”

Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange (Knopf)

“I loved There There, so I can only imagine this will be equally affecting, if not more so.”

Finding Margaret Fuller by Allison Pataki (Ballantine Books)

“Our Influential Women Book Club is due to read a biography of the pioneering journalist, so it will be fascinating to read a fictional account of her life.”

The Book Burrow

Founded during the pandemic, The Book Burrow is an indie bookstore in Pflugerville, Texas that is a queer-owned, women-safe space for all deep in the heart of Texas.

Three Houses on a Hill by Nicholas Holloway (JPM Publishing Company)

“This is our top-selling book of all time, because of the spooky atmospheric *vibes*”

A Rival Most Vile by R.K. Ashwick (RK Ashwick Books)

“A cozy inclusive story of two rival potion shop owners to lovers but make it wholesome. Similar to Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree.”

Forged by Blood by Ehigbor Okosun (Harper Voyager)

“The first in a duology that follows a magic-welding young badass Black woman whose life gets turned upside down when her mother is murdered. What more could you want?”

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (Tor Books)

“An 8-foot orc retires from adventuring to open a coffee shop in a small, sleepy fantasy town; I felt like this book was hugging and comforting *me* while I was reading it.”

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab (Tor Books)

“What would it be like to live for hundreds of years only to find out that it comes with the curse of no one remembering who you are - except for one stranger.”