Read A New Book Month – 6 New Indie Books To Read This Year

The literary realm is vast, and Indie authors are its unsung heroes, crafting narratives that range from the profoundly personal to the imaginatively wild.

The world of independent publishing is a treasure trove of hidden gems. Every year, countless Indie authors craft stories that resonate with authenticity, free from the confines of mainstream publishing pressures. These narratives often push boundaries, offering fresh perspectives, innovative storytelling techniques, and voices that might otherwise go unheard. As readers, we have the privilege to embark on these unique literary journeys, uncovering tales that surprise, inspire, and challenge our worldview. Let’s dive into some of the standout titles that deserve a spot on your reading list.

My Volcano by John Elizabeth Stintzi

My Volcano presents a vibrant mosaic of characters, each confronting their own internal upheavals, set against an Earth in tumultuous change. John Elizabeth Stintzi masterfully weaves together elements of parable, myth, sci-fi, and eco-horror to create a ground-breaking literary piece.

Faith by Itoro Bassey

Faith unveils the journey of Arit Essien, a first-generation Nigerian-American, born in the U.S., who decides to relocate to Nigeria. This narrative beautifully interweaves the voices of women across generations, touching upon themes of faith, expectations, identity, and autonomy. It bridges a conversation between the departed and the alive, past experiences and present moments, and Arit’s quest to understand her own significance amidst it all.

Light Skin Gone to Waste by Toni Ann Johnson

The year is 1962, and psychologist Philip Arrington, holding a PhD from Yeshiva, settles in the blue-collar town of Monroe, New York, alongside his new family. As they step into the town, the realtor is taken aback – the Arringtons are Black. Readers are then ushered into the lives of the Arringtons – Phil, his wife Velma, daughter Livia, and the soon-to-be-born Madeline. A sophisticated and cosmopolitan family, their elegance is shadowed by underlying tensions and flaws.

How to Build a Home for the End of the World by Kelly Shinners

Amid a massive drought, the Sorensens of Fox Lake, Illinois, have managed to remain relatively untouched. Yet, when their lake dries up suddenly, familial ties start to fray. Driven by her determination to save her loved ones, seventeen-year-old Mary-Beth persuades her father, Donny, to embark on a journey to California. Their path intersects with innovators, scholars, spiritual desert healers, and even phantoms from their past. As they grapple with their own history, they’re drawn towards envisioning a brighter, reconstructed future. Portrayed as a chronicle of a world after the fall, this novel delves into humanity’s navigation of compassion amidst continuous upheaval.

Singing Lessons from the Stylish Canary by Laura Stanfill

In the quaint French town of Mireville, Georges Blanchard stands as both an esteemed serinette craftsman and the legendary Sun-Bringer from a miraculous childhood event. Henri Blanchard, believed to be Georges’ eldest, feels the weight of familial expectations. Yet, his passion leans towards lace-making rather than crafting music boxes. An unexpected discovery of letters from America unveils a secret – Henri isn’t Georges’ first son. There exists an elder half-brother, born to an American client of Georges’. Journeying across the sea to meet this sibling, Henri finds a vast world outside Mireville. This revelation might just lead him to where he truly belongs.

How to Turn Into a Bird by María José Ferrada

From the acclaimed author of How to Order the Universe, María José Ferrada brings to life the captivating story of a unique man and the boy who adores him. Young Miguel, Ramón’s nephew, is fascinated by his uncle’s unconventional home. Yet, whispers of Ramón’s madness circulate within the community. During his visits to his uncle’s elevated abode, Miguel begins to view the world differently, pondering—Is his uncle genuinely insane, as the talk suggests? Does a thirst for freedom instigate madness? Or does Ramón truly perceive life’s profound truths, unapparent to those anchored to their mundane views?

Amidst these reflections, a neighbourhood child goes missing, leading to rising tensions and rekindled memories. Observing from ground level, Miguel discerns the stark reality: a community willing to resort to violence in the pursuit of harmony.

In a world filled with mainstream bestsellers, Indie authors offer a refreshing dive into uncharted waters, bringing forth unique voices and perspectives. This Read a New Book Month, challenge yourself to discover the depth, diversity, and creativity of Indie literature.