National Book Month
Created in 2003 by the National Book Foundation, National Book Month is a month-long celebration of reading and writing. It is held each October and features a variety of promotional events around the country, not least an announcement of the finalists for the National Book Awards. If you are a lifelong reader or want to start reading something fantastic and new, National Book Month is the perfect opportunity to start a new book or a new chapter, to read banned books, to support others’ rights to read books, to support independent bookstores, to start a book club with friends, or to start writing a book of your own!
If you’re interested in some great reads but don’t know where to start, we always love to chat about books! If you can’t chat with us, we recommend checking out book reviews from industry professionals: Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.
If you have a group of friends who all love reading, why not take this month to create a book club? After all, books provide a rich foundation for conversation. Not all book clubs look the same, but if you are someone who likes a plan, check out Penguin Random House’s Book Club Planning checklist.
Would this truly be written by a Librarian without some personal recommendations? The following list has been suggested by our very own AC Librarians:
- For fans of Sci-fi/Fantasy: The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake - It’s magic, it’s mystery, it’s Harry Potter for adults.
- For fans of Thrillers: The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton A spellbinding novel of family secrets, murder, and enduring love.
- For fans of Non-Fiction: How Humans Learn: The Science and Stories Behind Effective College Teaching by Joshua Eyler - Discover how curiosity, sociality, emotion, authenticity, and failure meet in the classroom.
- For fans of YA: Truly Devious series by Maureen Johnson - Grow and hone your skills with Detective Stevie Bell.
- For fans of Mystery: The Likeness by Tana French - The Likeness is a supremely suspenseful story exploring the nature of identity and belonging.
- For fans of Spooky Reads: The Stand by Stephen King - A classic apocalyptic vision of a world blasted by plague and the struggle between good and evil.
- For fans of Romance: A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones - A laugh-out-loud funny, intensely suspenseful read with a sassy heroine.
- For fans of Historical Fiction: Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate - A poignant novel inspired by a true story about two families, generations apart, that were forever changed by a heartbreaking injustice.
Blog written by Emily Gilbert, Director of Library
