The books Southern indie booksellers are recommending to readers everywhere!

Young Adult Fiction

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

, , ,
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

The Summer I Turned Pretty is a coming-of-age book that tells the story of the main character’s first love. The story itself has so many fun aspects, including the family dynamics along with the friendships between characters. This book is perfect for someone looking for a series that starts off lighthearted and then leads into more depth as the series progresses.

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han, (List Price: $11.99, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665922074, May 2022)

Reviewed by Grace, The Bookshelf on Church in Kilmarnock, VA

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han Read More »

Left on Read by Marissa Eller

, ,
Left on Read by Marissa Eller
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

Marissa Eller delivers a sophomore novel with everything I loved about her debut, but even better. Nova is a high-achieving, neurodivergent student on the edge of burnout, surrounded by classmates facing similar problems. This novel highlights a much-needed conversation around student mental health and disillusionment, but it also manages to preserve some of the starry-eyed English Major nerd magic. Left on Read is for teens who read classics for fun, for former gifted kids with adult ADHD diagnoses, and for anyone who has strong opinions on the correct Pride & Prejudice adaptation.

Left on Read by Marissa Eller, (List Price: $19.99, Holiday House, 9780823460564, August 2026)

Reviewed by Becca, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, NC

Left on Read by Marissa Eller Read More »

Heartbreak and Other Organ Failures by Taylor Hobbs

, ,
Heartbreak and Other Organ Failures by Taylor Hobbs
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

Kayley will do anything for her older sister, Zoey. Zoey has developmental disabilities and needs a match for a kidney transplant. Kayley insists they take a road trip to see their estranged father. A drag race, a clash with a deer, and a secret side trip to see her boyfriend in college follow in this heartwarming story of family and the importance of showing up for each other.

Heartbreak and Other Organ Failures by Taylor Hobbs, (List Price: $18.99, Norton Young Readers, 9781324124832, August 2026)

Reviewed by Rae Ann, Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN

Heartbreak and Other Organ Failures by Taylor Hobbs Read More »

The Season of Light and Darkness by Jillian Cantor

,
The Season of Light and Darkness by Jillian Cantor
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

A girl cryogenically frozen with her family after a dictator takes over the country wakes early to a world in chaos. She and her brother risk everything to get back to each other and rewrite history in this propulsive dystopian thriller..

The Season of Light and Darkness by Jillian Cantor, (List Price: $21.99, Simon Pulse, 9798347107285, August 2026)

Reviewed by Rae Ann, Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN

The Season of Light and Darkness by Jillian Cantor Read More »

To Drown a Witch by Lindsey Olsson

, ,
To Drown a Witch by Lindsey Olsson
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

I LOVED this!! There were so many twists and turns that I absolutely wasn’t expecting. It was the perfect combination of These Violent Delights, Heartless Hunter, and Red Queen. I literally finished this book like five minutes ago, so I don’t have the words to describe exactly how I’m feeling, but just know there were multiple audible reactions from me while reading the last 30ish pages, and I need more people to read this immediately so I have someone to talk to about it.

To Drown a Witch by Lindsey Olsson, (List Price: $20.99, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 9798217004799, July 2026)

Reviewed by Lola, E. Shaver, Booksellers in Savannah, Georgia

To Drown a Witch by Lindsey Olsson Read More »

Coming Out Perfect #1: A Graphic Novel by Richard Mercado

,
Coming Out Perfect #1: A Graphic Novel by Richard Mercado
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.

I absolutely adored reading this book. The art style is cartoony and so expressive that it fits the story’s tone perfectly. There are so many relatable moments in this story as an LGBTQ person that touched my heart and made me feel seen, even as an adult. This book will help so many people feel understood in so many different ways. I cannot wait for the second book to come out as this story has captured my heart with these characters and themes of family, friends, acceptance, and Philippine culture.

Coming Out Perfect #1: A Graphic Novel by Richard Mercado, (List Price: $16.99, Graphix, 9781339001593, July 2026)

Reviewed by Chloe, E. Shaver, Booksellers in Savannah, Georgia

Coming Out Perfect #1: A Graphic Novel by Richard Mercado Read More »

The Lure of Wolves and Whispers by Amanda Connolly

, ,
The Lure of Wolves and Whispers by Amanda Connolly
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

I am undone! This book was a hurricane, and I was sucked into it at full force. Excellent debut. It felt like reading The Selection, The Hunger Games and These Hollow Vows all in one. Book 2 is officially going on my most anticipated release list. What to expect: High stakes, fast-paced, tall dark and broody, tending to wounds, sexy time, slow burn, political intrigue, secrets galore, he falls first, lots of death and violence and a whole lot more. (Mind the trigger warnings) – Definitely an upper YA read.

The Lure of Wolves and Whispers by Amanda Connolly, (List Price: $21.99, Sarah Barley Books, Simon & Schuster Books for Yo, 9781665989510, July 2026)

Reviewed by Brianne, Main Street Books in Davidson, NC

The Lure of Wolves and Whispers by Amanda Connolly Read More »

School Bus Graveyard, Volume 1 by Red

, ,
School Bus Graveyard, Volume 1 by Red
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.

I loved this cursed Savannah field trip!! Six main characters? No way they could all be interesting and given time to develop– but they are! Reclusive and independent Ashlyn is forced to bond quickly with her new high school classmates when they wake up each night in a shared nightmare world. With lively art and scary monsters, this Webtoon is wonderfully translated into graphic novel form. And very funny!

School Bus Graveyard, Volume 1 by Red, (List Price: $18.99, Ink Pop, 9798217122868, June 2026)

Reviewed by Ross, E. Shaver, Booksellers in Savannah, Georgia

School Bus Graveyard, Volume 1 by Red Read More »

The Heirs by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

, , , , , ,
The Heirs by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

This is an incredible “whodunit” murder mystery packed full of family drama. When a billionaire is found dead at the lavish ball he was hosting, all suspects are locked in the mansion as they are slowly worked out of the equation. Everyone who was at the ball is hiding something, and the web of lies is complex. I could not put this book down!

The Heirs by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, (List Price: $20.99, Feiwel & Friends, 9781250326997, June 2026)

Reviewed by Jordan, A Novel Romance LLC in Louisville, Kentucky

The Heirs by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé Read More »

Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales

, , , , ,
Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

Darcy tries to keep her head down and stay under the radar in her high school. No one can ever know that she’s the person behind Locker 89, the place her schoolmates write for anonymous relationship advice. Handsome and popular Alexander Brougham catches her collecting letters one afternoon and turns to blackmail – he will keep her secret if she helps him win back the girl that broke his heart. Desperate to keep her past less-than-great advice to her BFF (with whom she’s secretly in love) under wraps, she goes along with the scheme – with surprising results. This is a sweet, funny book about queer love and facing up to mistakes to try and be a better person. It’s the perfect snuggly read for cold winter months when you’re too stressed to read anything too heavy.

Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales, (List Price: $13, Wednesday Books, 9781250830081, December 2022)

Reviewed by Andrea, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, VA

Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales Read More »

Immortal Game by Allison Saft

, ,
Immortal Game by Allison Saft
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

Allison Saft somehow made a fantasy about a chess tournament completely addictive. Shea enters the Otherworld hoping to win a single wish and rescue her sister, but every match comes with new tricks, dangerous rivals, and very questionable fae deals. Even if you know nothing about chess, the tension makes it hard to stop reading. The rivalry with the fae princess Ciara adds charm and sparks along the way. This clever, twisty fantasy features a sweet sapphic romance and just the right amount of chaos to keep you on your toes.

Immortal Game by Allison Saft, (List Price: $22, Wednesday Books, 9781250404763, August 2026)

Reviewed by Sandra, Hills and Hamlets Bookshop in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia

Immortal Game by Allison Saft Read More »

Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven

, ,
Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of my favorite classics, so I absolutely had to pick up Laura Steven’s reimagining of the story. Part horror-thriller, part romance, Every Exquisite Thing follows Penny as she bargains for immortal beauty in the cutthroat world of models and acting. But things aren’t as they seem at her drama school, and once the bodies start dropping, Penny finds herself in a race against the clock to stay alive. Steven offers sharp reflections on the cost of identity in a beauty-obsessed society that’s willing to resort to violence for the sake of perfection.

Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven, (List Price: $15, Wednesday Books, 9781250346797, May 2026)

Reviewed by Charlie, Square Books in Oxford, MS

Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven Read More »

Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven

, ,
Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

I loved Our Infinite Fates, so when I saw Laura Stevens was coming out with another book, I went wild with excitement. Laura’s way of telling a story is so compelling, and it keeps you focused. I absolutely loved this retelling of Dorian Gray, and it made me want to re-read the classic. Laura did an amazing job setting the story in today’s times, in a fictional academy called Dorian Drama School. She mixed themes that are extremely important in this day and age for girls struggling with their image, self-love, and acceptance. In the right hands, it can be a very powerful book. Laura condemns the beauty industry that forces women to chase an impossible standard, and she does this in a fast-paced, thrilling mystery retelling. I really enjoyed the ending too. It leaves the door open to the mystery of the painter, and I can’t wait to see what Laura will write next!Personal note (not part of the review): I wish there were no explicit scene in the book. I feel this can make it more difficult for the book to reach its audience. Without the open-door scene, this book could easily be recommended to younger young adults and reach a much wider audience.

Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven, (List Price: $15, Wednesday Books, 9781250346797, May 2026)

Reviewed by Erika, Righton Books in St Simons Island, GA

Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven Read More »

Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven

, ,
Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

I don’t read a lot of YA, but after loving Laura Steven’s adult debut, I came across this book billed as a reimagining of The Picture of Dorian Gray, and I knew there was potential for something great. Thankfully, I was right! This is the type of YA novel I would give to my 14-year-old daughter to read because the author holds to the tenets of YA writing without “dumbing down” the prose. She also put a modern spin on the classic themes to make them more relevant to Gen Z teenagers. The exploration of themes like body image, identity, and self-discovery is handled deftly. Steven takes her time building the characters so the denouement has a deep impact. The characters could have been plucked from real life, and the author takes care in making the cast diverse. The setting was haunting and twisted, just as a gothic horror should be. I would absolutely recommend this book for teens.

Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven, (List Price: $15, Wednesday Books, 9781250346797, May 2026)

Reviewed by Lara, Copperfish Books in Punta Gorda, FL

Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven Read More »

Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven

, ,
Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

YA fantasy/horror with beautiful writing and a creepy atmosphere that slowly pulls you in. The story takes place at an elite drama academy and follows Penny, who wants the lead role badly enough to make some dangerous choices. It’s a sapphic twist on The Picture of Dorian Gray, with intense rival energy and so much tension. The horror is more unsettling than gory, which made it even better. I also really appreciated the representation of mental health, eating disorders, alopecia, and type one diabetes. Completely unforgettable!

Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven, (List Price: $15, Wednesday Books, 9781250346797, May 2026)

Reviewed by Sandra, Hills & Hamlets Bookshop in Chattahoochee Hills, GA

Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven Read More »

Scroll to Top