The books Southern indie booksellers are recommending to readers everywhere!

Comics & Graphic Novels

The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag

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The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag
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This adorable graphic novel about a shape-shifting selkie and a teen lesbian who hasn’t fully accepted her queerness is heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. This is a great book for young queer people with a diverse cast of characters and a lovely sapphic romance that you can easily devour in one sitting. Can’t wait to get this into the hands of young readers!

The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag, (List Price: $24.99, Graphix, 9781338540574, June 2021)

Reviewed by Candice Huber, Tubby & Coo’s Traveling Book Shop in New Orleans, Louisiana

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Where the Body Was by Ed Brubaker

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Where the Body Was by Ed Brubaker
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I am a huge mystery fan and love graphic novels, so I was immediately interested in Where the Body Was. I was immediately drawn into the initial story when you are introduced to the neighbors on the street. Can I just say, “Poor, Toni!” I almost would have appreciated a story just about the neighbors rather than the murder. That being said, I really enjoyed this story and if this author does another mystery/graphic novel then I will definitely read it!

Where the Body Was by Ed Brubaker, (List Price: $24.99, Image Comics, 9781534398269, January 2024)

Reviewed by Kait Layton, The Haunted Book Shop in Mobile, Alabama

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The Flying Ship Volume 1 by Jem Milton

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The Flying Ship Volume 1 by Jem Milton
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The Flying Ship is the irreverent, hilarious, and pertinent graphic novel of my dreams- How Jem managed to shove absolutely everything I love into one story, I do not know, but the fact that it’s also beautifully illustrated is my favorite thing in the entire world. If you love familial curses, cracking open the gender binary, and political intrigue, I could not be more excited to put this book into your hands.

The Flying Ship Volume 1 by Jem Milton, (List Price: $24.99, Dark Horse Comics, 9781506738444, November 2023)

Reviewed by Caitlyn Vanorder, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Disaster Dates & Lucky Escapes by Tess Smith-Roberts

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Disaster Dates & Lucky Escapes by Tess Smith-Roberts
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Olive is a serial dater navigating the wild west that is online dating apps. Horribly hilarious, this comic is quite colorful in both its illustration and writing.

Disaster Dates & Lucky Escapes by Tess Smith-Roberts, (List Price: $14.99, Octopus Books, 9781804190937, October 2023)

Reviewed by Sydney Bozeman, Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee

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unOrdinary Volume 1 by uru-chan

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unOrdinary Volume 1 by uru-chan
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A Webtoon classic! I was wondering when this would get unscrolled. I love fantasy or sci-fi with overpowered protagonists who have some reason to hold themselves back or conceal their strength. This does that concept well and with great pacing.

unOrdinary Volume 1 by uru-chan, (List Price: $27.99, HarperAlley, 9780358467786, November 2023)

Reviewed by Lana Repic, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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The Little Red Wolf by Amélie Fléchais

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The Little Red Wolf by Amélie Fléchais
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To me, Little Red Riding Hood has always been the forbearer of modern children’s stories. The warnings of: listen to your adults, not to stray from the path dictated, and not talk to strangers emanate from every version of this story. In this tale, these messages are still here, but are challenged. In the end, our hero is rescued and the evil defeated, themes of misunderstanding being our main take-away.

The Little Red Wolf by Amélie Fléchais, (List Price: $9.99, Oni Press, 9781637152430, October 2023)

Reviewed by Jamie Kovacs, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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I Must Be Dreaming by Roz Chast

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I Must Be Dreaming by Roz Chast
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Roz Chast gives us a deeply personal (and, naturally, hilarious) view of the meaning of her own dreams and their influence on her work, in cartoon form, of course. Includes a fascinatingly nerdy section on the history of dreaming and dream interpretation, across many cultures.

I Must Be Dreaming by Roz Chast, (List Price: $27.99, Bloomsbury Publishing, 9781620403228, October 2023)

Reviewed by Anne Peck, Righton Books in St. Simons Island, Georgia

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Ruined by Sarah Vaughn

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Ruinedby Sarah Vaughn
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When I came across this historical romance in the form of a graphic novel I knew I had to read it. I fell in love with both Catherine and Andrew through the charming illustrations and heart-filled story. I think this graphic novel will charm the hearts of Bridgerton fans and I hope to see more like it in the future!

Ruined by Sarah Vaughn, (List Price: $28.99, First Second, 9781250769350, November 2023)

Reviewed by Keeshia Jacklitch, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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15 Minutes Before We Really Date, Vol. 1 by Perico

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15 Minutes Before We Really Date, Vol. 1by Perico
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So Cute! A cute, easy-to-read story about two childhood best friends deciding to date each other and the awkwardness of learning to see each other as more than friends. Animation is super adorable. I will definitely be reading all the next ones that come out and will be crossing my fingers that this gets picked up for an anime series because I will 100% watch it.

15 Minutes Before We Really Date, Vol. 1 by Perico, (List Price: $15, Yen Press, 9781975368951, November 2023)

Reviewed by Stephanie St. John, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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Duel by Jessixa Bagley

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Duelby Jessixa Bagley
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I loved the creativity in the book. I really like how they included other kids of people in the story. It shows that you have to have courage to do something even if you don’t win. I enjoyed the mostly black-and-white illustrations in the book. I love graphic novels. Overall I really liked this book and recommend it!

Duel by Jessixa Bagley, (List Price: $14.99, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781534496545, November 2023)

Reviewed by Mandy Harris, Angel Wings Bookstore in Stem, North Carolina

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If You’ll Have Me by Eunnie

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If You'll Have Me by Eunnie
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In her first year of university, kind, anxious, people-pleasing Momo develops a crush on PG, an unattainable player known for her many one-night stands. The two gradually develop a flirty friendship, but can they let their guards down and allow love to bloom? A likable, cute WLW graphic novel, recommended for fans of Heartstopper and other character-driven contemporary YA romance.

If You’ll Have Me by Eunnie, (List Price: 17.99, Viking Books for Young Readers, 9780593403235, October 2023)

Reviewed by Talia Smart, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Scaredy Squirrel Gets Festive by Melanie Watt

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Scaredy Squirrel Gets Festive by Melanie Watt
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Children (and their adults) will love reading about Scaredy Squirrel’s approach to the holidays! Once again, Melanie Watt gives us a way to treat a child’s nerves with gentleness and humor. We love displaying our Scaredy Squirrel books alongside the plush stuffed animal at Main Street Books!

Scaredy Squirrel Gets Festive by Melanie Watt, (List Price: 12.99, Random House Graphic, 9780593307618, October 2023)

Reviewed by Jessica Nock, Main Street Books in Davidson, North Carolina

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Curlfriends: New in Town (A Graphic Novel) by Sharee Miller

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10 Dogs by Emily Gravett
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Charlie is the new girl at school and making friends has not been easy for her. She wants to make new friends and be cool so she tries to be someone she’s not and makes a mess of things. I love the message in this book to always be your true authentic self and you will find your people. The illustrations are adorable and I love the all black cast. Great read!

Curlfriends: New in Town (A Graphic Novel) by Sharee Miller, (List Price: 12.99, Little, Brown Ink, 9780316591454, October 2023)

Reviewed by Keeshia Jacklitch, Bookseller, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Parasocial by Alex de Campi

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Parasocial by Alex de Campi
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What an interesting take on modern day parasocial relationships! I loved how it referenced modern fan lingo and even Ao3 with the kidnapping and how it just kept devolving from there. The playlist was a lovely touch as well, it really added to the experience.

Parasocial by Alex de Campi, (List Price: 18.99, Image Comics, 9781534399372, October 2023)

Reviewed by Lana Repic, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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I Escaped a Chinese Internment Camp by Anthony Del Col

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When Moon Became the Moon by Rob Hodgson
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This book shows the very ugly truth that is a reality for many people. This woman survived unimaginable conditions and lived to tell the tale. I have nothing but the utmost respect for her being able to share her truth, and feel this book really opened my eyes to the treatment of the Uyghur people of China.

I Escaped a Chinese Internment Camp by Anthony Del Col, (List Price: $19.99, Lev Gleason, 9781988247960, September 2023)

Reviewed by Lana Repic, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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