All About Books discussion

Ok some background. I have spent time in discussion with a few GR friends about the differences between mainstream and fringe books, the self-published minefield and drew some conclusions.

The first is that I want and possibly need to read more independent fringe books. I started with this: Resistance and was not disappointed. I want exposure to books by authors that are not well publicised and perhaps fall through the cracks. I want difference and newness in my reading and I hope this challenge will give me that.

The second thing I have to face up to is that finding good fringe authors to read is HARD. I guess it goes with the notion, it makes sense. Finding authors no one has heard of and expecting them to be good is by definition difficult. So here's a PLEA: please post your RECOMMENDATIONS. I am looking for quality books written by authors that are on the fringes, unappreciated and totally off the radar. Sound like something you can help with? Then please do so! Finding amazing books that everyone has read and raves about is easy, nobody needs much help with that. But fringe is a different story, I feel like it is by definition a collaborative community thing.
__________________
THE CHALLENGE
----------------------

Read 12 (twelve) books in 2016 that fit the category fringe/independent in any genre.

I am collecting TBRs here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

Do books that started out as indie/self published count? If so, Andy Weir's The Martian would qualify. (Even though it has since been picked up by a publisher and made into a movie.)

Also, Hugh Howey's Silo Saga (and just about anything else he's written) would fit the bill I think.

High Tide in the City is an excellent sci-fi thriller. (I have no connection with the author, came across an excerpt and had to read the whole thing.)

I recommend The Book of Colors and Blood and Bone.

It's a cathegory of books I don't know; it could be a good idea to give them a closer look!

LauraT wrote: "It's a cathegory of books I don't know; it could be a good idea to give them a closer look!"

I am/was in exactly the same situation. I am really hoping to expand my reading and broaden the types of media I access.

Tom wrote: "Do books that started out as indie/self published count?"

no they don't.

Thanks for the suggestions I've read both already. Hated The Martian, thought Wool was excellent but the sequel absolutely awful.

Petra wrote: "I recommend The Book of Colors and Blood and Bone."

Petra you're my hero of the day! Exactly what I was hoping for thanks so much. The Book of Colors sounds really interesting.

Joy wrote: "High Tide in the City"

added, thanks!

One of the reviews said I stumbled across this by accident. That's the hardest thing about fringe indy books! They're like accidents that happen. I am so lucky to have the support of wonderful readers on here to help me find this stuff.

Here is a website with Indie books published last month.
http://entropymag.org/january-in-book...