While spring's cold seems to cling to winter's coat, and we long for the warm summer days, nothing is better than snuggling with a good book. But what is the point of being limited to mainstream bestsellers when there is a wealth of hidden gems from the indie press all waiting to be found?

In this list that we have carefully compiled, we invite you to wander in the garden of tales that independent publishers have stitched together. Ranging from stories where monsters reign unchallenged to tales that portray the burning fires of queer love amidst great difficulties and friendships that are bitterly tested to their limits, these books offer a breath of fresh air in comparison to other mainstream stories.

Take your favorite blanket, fill your cup of tea, and lose yourself in the magical worlds these five indie press books evoked.

That Pinson Girl by Gerry Wilson

In 1918 Mississippi, Leona Pinson bears an illegitimate son, expecting his lover's return from war to save her from a harsh life. Disillusioned when he returns married, her dreams shatter amid family strife. Facing her brother's violence and her aunt's departure, Leona leans on Luther Biggs, son of her grandfather's slave, to protect her child.

The work addresses issues of poverty, racism, and misogyny and is narrated in harsh, honest prose against the backdrop of World War I and the influenza epidemic.

How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica

The book explores themes of belonging, grief, and first love. Daniel de La Luna, a scholarship student, grapples with family expectations and his uncle's legacy at an East Coast university. His bond with roommate Sam turns into love, but tragedy disrupts their happiness.

Returning to Mexico, Daniel seeks solace in his roots, confronting questions of identity and loss. This moving story of self-discovery, resilience, and respecting the past gives hope even in adversity.

READ ALSO: 6 Easy Ways to Read More Books

Crocodile Tears Didn't Cause the Flood by Bradley Sides

Bradley Sides blends Southern charm with the bizarre in a collection of magical realism tales. From a boy's guide to a pond monster to a parent contemplating the apocalypse, each story navigates themes of grief, loss, and hope.

Characters bravely face death, reject family legacies, and find joy in unexpected places like broken robots. Sides' poignant narratives tenderly probe the depths of human complexity, blending the fantastical and the deeply human. 

Tannery Bay by Steven Dunn and Katie Jean Shinkle

In the timeless town of Tannery Bay, it is forever July 2, but the year remains a mystery. Trapped in this eternal loop, residents like siblings Otis and Joy unite against a common enemy: The Owners. These greedy figures exploit the town's resources and sow division. Through a narrative of Black Joy and Queer Joy, the story celebrates chosen family, love without bounds, and the transformative power of art.

This book is a poignant tale of defiance and unity against oppressive forces, in which time stands still, but hope persists.

Chicano Frankenstein by Daniel A. Olivas

In a near-future America, an unnamed paralegal, revived through controversial means, navigates a society both dependent on and hostile toward reanimation. Amidst anti-revival sentiment from the president and corporate profiteering, he falls for lawyer Faustina Godínez.

Exploring his newfound life, he encounters her vibrant network, uncovering his erased past. The novel challenges social stereotypes and explores the essence of humanity in a thought-provoking story.

RELATED ARTICLE: Prankster Author Deceives Public With Fake Charli XCX Email to Promote Book