Independent Bookstore Day is this weekend! In case you aren’t familiar, it’s an annual event that falls on the last Saturday in April — a national one-day party celebrating indie bookstores across the country, both online and in-store.
This year, we’re thinking beyond bookstores to the whole “indieverse” of publishing — particularly indie authors. Every day, BookTrib uncovers new books from emerging talent. These are the reads we love most. Authentic storytelling. Insightful viewpoints. Diverse voices that otherwise wouldn’t get heard. Gatekeepers are everywhere in traditional publishing, but indie publishing allows us access to so much more.
On Indie Bookstore Day, it’s easy to opt for the Big Five-endorsed titles everyone’s talking about, but there’s such magic in discovering a hidden indie gem. So we’ve compiled a list of gems for you to consider. Each book is accompanied by links to Bookshop.org — an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores — and the author’s website, where you can buy direct or through the author’s own affiliate links.
Best of all, with our list, you don’t have to leave your couch to go indie on Indie Bookstore Day.
The Terminal Gene by John H. Thomas
Genre: Techno-Conspiracy Thriller
A geneticist uncovers a “death gene” in all life — and a deadly conspiracy to control it. Hunted, she and her fiancé race to expose the truth or risk humanity’s future.
Buy this book: Author Website | Bookshop.org
Belonging to the World by Barry Hoffner
Genre: Inspirational Travel Memoir
After losing his wife, Barry Hoffner was overcome by grief but felt a pull to reconnect. He set out to visit all 193 countries, finding kindness worldwide. A memoir of loss, resilience and connection; proceeds fund scholarships in West Africa.
Buy this book: Author Website | Bookshop.org
False Neutral by Joshua S. Narins
Genre: Literary Fiction
One chose to live a lie … One chose to live alone … One chance to finally make sense of it all. Set primarily in Boston, False Neutral is a taut, focused New England narrative of choices made and not made, and their collision. Winner of multiple literary awards.
Buy this book: Author Website | Bookshop.org
The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta R. Garg
Genre: Fairy Tale Fantasy
Ever wonder why Jack and Jill needed that pail of water in the first place? Find out the answer to this and other story questions in The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories!
Buy this book: Author Website | Bookshop.org
Chasing Headlines by J Rose Black
Genre: Sports Romance
Breslin Cooper chases redemption and the embers of his major league dreams, vying for a spot on the TSTU Strikers baseball team. His nemesis, school reporter Liv Milline, becomes his (unlikely) ally … and fake girlfriend.
Buy this book: Bookshop.org
Fatal Castle by David Boito
Genre: Thriller with Historical Elements
Trapped inside the Tower of London during a Crown Jewel heist, a Beefeater guard and his estranged daughter must use medieval castle warfare to fend off brutal thieves while navigating their own past in the process.
Buy this book: Author Website | Bookshop.org
How to Survive a Mediation by Fred E. Jandt
Genre: Legal Self-Help
No matter the dispute you’re involved with, this step-by-step guide prepares you to reach a successful agreement.
Buy this book: Publisher Website | Bookshop.org
The Peace Guidebook: How to Cultivate Hope, Healing, and Harmony for the Good of Humankind by Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino and Dr. Katie Eastman
Genre: Personal Development, Self-Help
A practical, transformative roadmap for individuals, leaders and organizations seeking to cultivate personal and collective peace, while also creating positive change in the world.
Buy this book: Author Website | Bookshop.org
Inca Wraith by S T Cameron
Genre: Middle-Grade Fiction
Deadly secrets await the Young Explorers at a lost Inca pyramid in Peru. Between a vengeful spirit and untrustworthy scientists, can they solve the mystery?
Buy this book: Bookshop.org
Jumpstart Your Career in Data Centers by Carrie Goetz
Genre: Careers
Master jargon-free basics, seize booming opportunities and land your dream role in a weekend of reading. Resources, scholarships and decades of expert wisdom included. No degree needed — data center careers start here!
Buy this book: Author Website | Bookshop.org