Adult Booklists

Feel like you’re reading the same type of books over and over again? Try something new with these themed booklists. Most of the lists include both fiction and non-fiction.

 

African American Non-fiction
Compelling non-fiction from recent years dealing with the African-American experience

Animals
Lions, and tigers, and… pigs? Oh my! A menagerie of books with animals

Asian/Pacific American Authors
Looking for something beyond Amy Tan and Lisa See? Discover these American authors with Asian or Pacific Island heritage

Banned or Challenged Books
Warning! Some of these books have been challenged or banned for political, religious, or other reasons

Biography
From the rich and famous to ordinary folks doing extraordinary things, try some riveting life stories

Books Made into Movies
These titles get it right twice: a great read and a film that does it justice. Check out both!

Culinary Reads
Partake in these delectable books where the preparation and savoring of food plays a central role

Epistolary Tales 
Enjoy some lively correspondence in both fiction and non-fiction

Family Dramas
Whether they drive you crazy or keep you grounded, there’s no lack of drama when the family’s around

Ghostly Tales
From gentle lost souls to the seriously spooky, the ghosts in these books are sure to intrigue you

Graphic Novels
These titles successfully combine a compelling story with artwork that adds to the narrative

Great Outdoors
Get out in nature with these titles

Historical Fiction and History Non-fiction
Soak in some history while enjoying a rollicking read

Humorous Books 
From the clever to the campy, darkly satirical to frothy farce, there's a world of laughter awaiting you at the library

In Translation
Expand your horizons with these books from the past ten years that were originally published in languages other than English

Irish-born Authors
Ireland is the birthplace of many fine writers. Here's a taste of some Emerald Isle talent.

Jewish American Fiction
Try some fiction by Jewish American authors

Mysteries- Historical
Read the local talent and discover a new mystery series to try

Mysteries- International
A sampling of mystery series that take place outside of the U.S. and England

Mysteries- Local Authors
Read the local talent and discover a new mystery series to try

Oscar-worthy Books 
Read the books that inspired this year's Oscar-nominated films, plus past winners of the Academy Award for Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

On the Road to Recovery
Riveting memoirs, powerful fiction, and non-fiction about people recovering from substance abuse

Plays
Here’s some drama for you! Whether or not you’ve seen it in the theatre or on the screen, try reading these plays

Poetry
Be absorbed in the exquisite power of language with some individual volumes and themed anthologies of poetry

Science Fiction Classics
You can’t go wrong with these classics of the Science Fiction genre

Science Non-fiction
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to enjoy these books

Simple Living
Take some time to remember the simple things in life

Sustainable Living
Get inspired to lead a more eco-friendly life

Teaching Tolerance
Learn to spread compassion, heal divisions, and build inclusive communities

Travel
Catch the wanderlust bug with these tales of travel

True Crime- General
Engrossing real-life stories of murder and deception

True Crime- Heists & Swindles
Engrossing real-life stories of murder and deception

Uplifting Books
Inspiring, humorous, and generally “feel-good” reads

Women in Science
Stories and books featuring scientists who are female

Year of Living Interestingly
Got a gimmick? These folks took a detour from their normal life and lived to write about it