IndieReader Discovery Awards 2024 Entrants

Added as our reviewers read them, find the latest verdicts for the 2024 IndieReader Discovery Award entrants, leading up to the big winner announcement in June!

Linda Beck offers a sweet story and bedtime comfort with GOOD BOY LUKEY & THE DREAM CRUMBS. Diverse young readers will be drawn to cartoon Lukey along with colorful illustrations and a rhyming story. Some words may be high-level for Early Readers.

Self-awareness books take on different paths, helping readers to discover their truths, strengths, weaknesses, and ways to overall happiness. OM VEL WAY by Seval Seer takes the “be happy and make happy” approach that true awareness and happiness is within ourselves, waiting to be tapped, as life itself is our greatest teacher. Readers may find themselves questioning their own truths on the progression to ultimate awakening.

The events surrounding World War II are more than political; they include personally-accounted journeys of real people whose lives were affected by all the turmoil. TRAUTEROSE (Growing Up in Postwar Munich) by Elisabeth Haggblade is a memoir of her life as a foster child navigating her own future in the aftermath of WWII. The author’s succinct memories and detailed research may prompt readers to add this piece of historical nonfiction to their WWII reading lists.

An epic dystopian adventure, WHERE LIBERTY LIES is a masterfully crafted story that suspensefully engages the reader throughout the journey. Nathaniel M. Wrey creates an exciting cast of characters that draws the reader into their rag-tag family, gaining members as the action continues. Their journey is gritty, anxiety-inducing, and spellbinding from the first to the very last page.

A true roller-coaster of a story, GOLIATH AND THE GANG is the second book in the Gang Girl series. Much like its predecessor, this one is also rich with emotion and intrigue. Author David Whittet tells the heart wrenching story of Aaron’s rise from nothing. With a troubled and dysfunctional upbringing, Aaron gets dealt an unfair hand in life, and thus starts from behind the eight-ball. However, Aaron’s character and unwavering courage guide him towards a new beginning, and a better life.  Filled with twists and turns throughout, the intrigue of GOLIATH AND THE GANG will not allow readers to put the book down.

EXODAI (A Shockingly Honest Memoir of Love, Obsession and Torture) by Elizabeth Hendricks is a searing memoir that follows the author’s relationship with faith, romance and sexuality. Raised in a Christian household, the author struggles with her unconventional desires. The book is written with gripping honesty, as the author remains authentic to herself while telling the whole truth to the readers without any pity or artifice. The narrative takes the readers through many twists and turns as Elizabeth explores her extreme desires in Tokyo, portrayed through vivid imagery. The memoir challenges preconceived notions about desire and spirituality, as the author reconciles her identity and her sexuality through an arduous journey.

The inherent drama of a trial has fascinated audiences for centuries. In this strong, well-written theatre history, Amnon Kabatchnik offers background and information on COURTROOM DRAMAS ON THE STAGE: VOLUME 1. Starting with dramas presumed written around 480 B.C. and reaching into the early 20th century, this volume offers layered information on these dramas. There’s a synopsis, sometimes a snippet from the play itself to emphasize a point, notable productions, the play’s importance in its time, and in the larger theatrical canon as a whole. The prejudices, bigotry, racism, and misogyny of the plays are not softened for modern sensibilities, to show the social mores of the time, and how art and theatre either leaned into them or attempted to expose them. The writing is strong, the research detailed without being overbearing, and the amount of information impressive. Whether it’s Aeschylus’s ORESTIA or Ben Jonson’s VOLPONE, there is something new to learn about each of the plays. COURTROOM DRAMAS ON THE STAGE: VOLUME 1 is a terrific resource to find new-to-the-reader dramas or to use as dramaturgy when working on one of the dramas mentioned in the book.

HORROR ON THE STAGE (Monsters, Murders and Terrifying Moments in Theater) by Amnon Kabatchnik is a encyclopedic exploration of theatrical productions from ancient times to the modern world. With meticulous research and a wealth of fascinating anecdotes, Kabatchnik delves into the macabre and chilling elements that have captivated audiences throughout history. From the spine-chilling performances of iconic horror characters to the real-life tragedies that have occurred on stage, this book offers a comprehensive and engrossing look into the world of horror theater. Kabatchnik’s writing style is engaging and informative, making this a must-read for theater fans and aficionados alike.

Not just for start-ups: Any founder worthy of the title needs to read (and study) STANDOUT STARTUP, Allyson Letteri’s guide to messaging the right way. Letteri’s experience in Silicon Valley tech applies to all companies, small and large. She deftly interweaves explanations and examples of positioning, USP, content, and those innumerable marketing terms to create a very manipulate-able map to follow (complete with templates). Get it soon before the competition does!

Take any labels, these days, with a big grain of salt. Because the story of single-mom Raven, mentally challenged son Ricky, and their reunion with long-lost father Joe is age-less.  Sharp dialogue (“Sadness is like a cold; we can pass it to each other”) and vivid characters stand out in Erik E Morales’ coming-of-age story, TOO FAST.

THE CLOVEN KING by Luke Prochnow is centred around teenager protagonist Verth, who lives simply in an elven fishing village, yet has strange and powerful origins. The narrative speeds up from an incident at Verth’s village, casting doubt on his identity and setting him on an arduous journey. The author uses vivid visual imagery and fluid, beautiful prose to paint a moving picture of the book’s varied settings, such as Verth’s pastoral village. The plot is fast-paced and bolstered by unlikely twists and suspense. Fans of compelling storytelling and coming-of-age themes will enjoy this book.

In her bare-all memoir, TRUST YOURSELF TO BE ALL IN, Amanda McKoy Flanagan encourages readers to embrace the pain to heal the limiting beliefs of generational wounds. She tells her personal story of pain, loss, and perseverance along her journey so others might find peace with similar healing modalities. At a critical time of chaos in the world, she hopes self-compassion will lead to compassion worldwide.

Lawrence Kane and Kris Wilder’s UMA: Champion of the Seven Dojo, is quintessential martial arts fiction. David, the frustratingly blundering main character, can’t seem to find his life’s direction or extricate himself from a persistent gang of bullies. Through a series of obstacles – and with various illustrative martial arts styles teaching life lessons along the way – he and the reader learn the value of integrity.

The emotional ups and downs in PLAYA CRUSH by Ian Ostroff bring readers back to the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, reaffirmed love, and the beautiful beaches of coastal Mexico. With a number of diverse characters, the story represents people on different paths of life, each delivering his or her own elements to the story. The sad elements of PLAYA CRUSH may trigger one’s inner demons, but they result in a satisfying conclusion.

Aspirational gerbils partner with a young boy to use his father’s invention – a machine that shrinks anything to gerbil size – in Prudence Breitrose’s exceptional middle-grade novel, ZAPPED. Told from the point of view of both human and gerbil, this truly original and suspenseful animal tale uses the excitement of forbidden adventure to spark the imagination while encouraging readers to consider themes of bravery, friendship, belonging, change, stereotype, and hubris.

In DISCOVER THE MATRIX, business coach Angela Cusack lays out a framework for executives to improve their leadership by self-reflection before leading by example. Going into the matrix and stepping into the space between ego and self-connection, people can find the false beliefs holding back their true selves. Living/leading with true integrity in a growth mindset and practicing purposefully with mindful preparation can lead to an extraordinary life.

HEALING ALL HOMES by Danuza Aquino is a self-help book designed to help readers improve in all spheres of life. The author includes guidance for practically transforming physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. The book touches on many factors impacting physical and mental health, such as the state of one’s home and the importance of living sustainably. Furthermore, the book contains actionable steps that readers can implement from day one and challenges they may encounter, bolstered by studies, experience, and generational wisdom. Readers looking to improve their health and perform professionally will enjoy this book.

Snow—it is wet, cold, messy, and often keeps us from getting to where we need to go. But the puffy, fluffy drifting snowflakes that float down from the sky in shades of white and gray are beautiful images that are often overlooked. A QUIET CONVERSATION WITH THE SNOW by Lori Colvin is a sweet reminder of the sights, sounds, and colors of nature. With stunning illustrations by Lee Steadmanand easy-to-read text, readers having a “quiet conversation with the snow” may find a new appreciation for winter’s silver lining.