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American Library Association Notable Books (Fiction)

The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), annually compiles a list of "Notable Books." Works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry are chosen although only the fiction titles are included on our list.

Award Winning Mysteries

If you enjoy reading a well-written mystery, try one of these titles which has been awarded an Agatha Award, an Anthony Award, a Dagger Award, an Edgar Allen Poe Award, a Lambda Award, or a Shamus Award.

The Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel

The Bram Stoker Awards are presented annually by the Horror Writers Association (HWA) and honor superior achievement in dark fantasy, horror, and the occult.

The Hugo Award for Best Novel

The Hugo Awards are given out annually by the World Science Fiction Society and honor the best in science fiction writing.

The Man Booker Prize for Fiction

Administered by the National Book League in the United Kingdom, the Man Booker Prize is the "premier British award for fiction written in English by a citizen of the United Kingdom, the British Commonwealth, Eire, Pakistan, or South Africa."

The National Book Award for Fiction

Each year the National Book Foundation presents the National Book Award to an exceptional work of fiction.

The National Book Award for Nonfiction

Each year the National Book Foundation presents the National Book Award to an exceptional works of nonfiction.

The Nebula Award for Best Novel

The Nebula Award for Best Novel is presented annually by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association of America.

The Nobel Prize for Literature

The Nobel Prize for Literature has been awarded annually since 1901 by the Swedish Academy and "has recognized the whole spectrum of literary works including poetry, novels, short stories, plays, essays and speeches."

Oprah's Book Club

Since 1996 Oprah Winfrey has been selecting books for her audience to read and then discussing them on her show. All of her selections have instantly rocketed up the best seller lists. Here is a list of all of her picks from her original book club, her classics book club, and her new book club.

The PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction

The PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction is awarded each year by the PEN/Faulkner Foundation and is bestowed upon the "best work of fiction by an American author."

The Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

The Pulitzer Prize for Fiction is awarded annually and is given to a work of "distinguished fiction by an American author, preferably dealing with American life."

Skokie Public Library's Favorite Novels of the 20th Century

This is a list of the one hundred favorite novels of the twentieth century as selected by vote of Skokie Public Library patrons.

Skokie Public Library's Greatest Novels of the 20th Century

This is a list of the one hundred greatest novels of the twentieth century as selected by vote of Skokie Public Library patrons.

African American Audiobooks

Within this list of audiobooks an amazing cast of African American authors, readers, and characters provides rich landscapes of fiction, mysteries, poetry, biography, and nonfiction for your listening pleasure.

Family Favorites

If you're taking the family on a road trip be sure to check out one or more of these audiobook titles. Our staff has come up with a number of suggestions which are suitable for kids ages 10 and above and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.

Good Listening

The excellent rendering on many audiobooks magnifies our enjoyment of these works. This select list of fiction titles are staff favorites, and include some award winners.

Humor

Enough with the gloom and doom — sometimes you just need a good laugh. Try one of these audiobooks to lighten your mood!

Barbara Kingsolver Read-a-Likes

Realistic women and their situations, solid well-thought-out plots, vivid Southern locations, and strong writing sum up Barbara Kingsolver’s novels.  If you enjoyed the strong female characters of Kingsolver’s novels, try one of these titles.

Bill Bryson Read-a-Likes

Visit a new landscape with a fresh perspective. If you liked Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods, you might want to try these other travel narratives which are similarly replete with humor and insight.

Bridget Clones

Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding introduced a new sub-genre of fiction commonly known as “Chick Lit.” These novels typically feature a Generation X single female in search of the perfect career, boyfriend, and Manolo Blahnik heels.

Da Vinci Code Read-a-Likes

Since it was published in 2003 The Da Vinci Code has been enormously popular. Millions of readers have become caught up in Dan Brown's tale of a murder at the Louvre and an ancient secret society. If you have read The Da Vinci Code and want to read other similar books check out some of these read-a-likes.

Daniel Silva Read-a-Likes

If you like Daniel Silva then try one of these books filled with international intrigue, thrills, and suspense. 

David Sedaris Read-a-Likes

David Sedaris makes readers laugh out loud with stories of his personal humiliations and quirky family. If you like his brand of neurotic, autobiographical humor, give these books a try.

Freakonomics Read-a-Likes

The phenomena of everyday life are examined in these informative and readable nonfiction titles.

The Glass Castle Read-a-Likes

Scores of people have read and discussed The Glass Castle in book discussion groups, among their friends and families, or online. If you, too, were fascinated by this tale of an extremely dysfunctional family, and would like to read other books which explore troubled childhoods and how the protagonist rose above them, try one of these titles.

Harlan Coben Read-a-Likes

Cops, mafia, ordinary folks — people who have personal demons to confront, rapid-fire action, complex plots full of surprises, and frequently, an irreverent sense of humor; all characterize Coben’s writing. The focus is on the protagonist’s struggle with an extraordinary situation and a fast pace, enhanced by less description and more dialogue and action. If you enjoy Harlan Coben's books try one of these thrillers.

Jan Karon Read-a-Likes

Jan Karon’s Mitford series appeals to our longing for community, for kindness, for faith, and for simplicity in life. If you’ve read all of the books in the Mitford series, these authors may provide a home away from home.

Jane Austen Lives On!: Novels Inspired by Jane Austen's Life and Works

Do not despair, gentle reader, if you’ve already read all of Jane Austen’s works and still hunger for more. You may now move on to any of these contemporary novels inspired by Jane Austen’s books, her characters, and even her own life.

Janet Evanovich Read-a-Likes

Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum and MetroGirl series feature young female protagonists who are involved with crime fighting and frequently find themselves in over their heads. The novels listed below have similar plot situations, quirky characters, humorous dialogue, or feisty protagonists.

Jodi Picoult Read-a-Likes

Jodi Picoult's novels feature regular people coping with difficult circumstances. Her characters illuminate many sides of controversial issues. If you enjoy Jodi Picoult's books, try one of these novels.

John Irving Read-a-Likes

John Irving’s novels present life as both comically absurd and inescapably tragic. There’s a frequent confrontation with contemporary issues, as well as an embrace of such humane impulses as the rescuing of victims, and guarding of loved ones. The following titles have similarities to the work of John Irving in having a similar conversational tone, motifs, or overall theme.

The Kite Runner Read-a-Likes

Khaled Hosseini's first novel, The Kite Runner, is a coming-of-age story set in Afghanistan amidst political, racial, and religious turmoil. If you enjoyed The Kite Runner, check out these fiction and nonfiction books that explore themes of childhood friendship, immigration, cultural conflict, and the Middle East.

Maeve Binchy Read-a-Likes

If you enjoy Maeve Binchy's character-centered, leisurely tales of women and their relationships and want to read similar books, check out some of these read-a-likes.

Never Let Me Go Read-a-Likes

If you liked Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go, or other books about clones, you might enjoy these titles.

Nicholas Sparks Read-a-Likes

Known for his heartwarming and gentle novels of love and loss, Sparks always leaves readers wanting more. To read other tales about the power of love, try these titles.

The Other Boleyn Girl Read-a-Likes

Fans of Philippa Gregory’s novels of passion and intrigue in the royal courts of the past will find plenty to enjoy in these stories of queens, consorts, and noblewomen.

Philip K. Dick Read-a-Likes

Philip K. Dick was one of the most influential science fiction writers of the mid-20th century and his dark, cynical, suspicious stories continue to appeal. Try a book from this list for a Philip K. Dick read-a-like experience.

The Secret Read-a-Likes

Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret has introduced millions of readers to the concept of the Law of Attraction. If you want to learn more about making The Secret work for you, try one of these similar books.

Tami Hoag Read-a-Likes

Tami Hoag began her career as a writer of romances but is better known for her popular romantic suspense novels. If you enjoy her suspense titles you may enjoy some of these other authors.

V.I. Warshawski Read-a-Likes

V.I. Warshawski is the tough-minded, strong, smart private investigator at the heart of Sara Paretsky’s mysteries.  She’s one of a kind — but these other ladies are pretty interesting, and their stories are worth reading in their own right.

American Classics

From The Scarlet Letter (1850) to Native Son (1940), these are some of the greatest novels written in the United States.

Artful Fiction

These novels all touch upon the world of art in one of its many facets: artists, artworks, historians, collectors, or thieves.

Books into Broadway

Many Broadway plays have been adapted from mysteries, literary works, and biographies. Check out these books that have appeared on stage.

Cat Tales

Cat lovers will find much to enjoy in this list of feline-friendly mysteries, novels, and literary anthologies.

Chocolate Fiction

Indulge yourself! Enjoy the guilt-free feeling that chocolate provides by choosing one of these books.

A Common Thread

Patterns of women's lives are reflected in these novels and mysteries about quilts and quilting.

Contemporary African-American Fiction

Family, friendship, religion, racism, and the dealings of everyday life are explored in these novels about the contemporary African-American experience.

Cult Fiction

Books come and go, but once in a while an offbeat book will inspire intense devotion among a passionate readership. Try these cult classics to see what all the fuss is about.

Dog Fiction

Woof, woof! Dogs have a starring role in these stories.

Eccentric Families

Some humorous, some sad, these novels may confirm that yours is not the only bizarre family out there.

Fairy Tales for Grownups

The world of childhood is a world where magic lives, in imagination and in stories.  These fairy tales for adults recapture that world, and tell those familiar tales in surprising and compelling ways.

Fairy Tales for Young and Old

Fairy tales can be appealing to all ages of readers. Check out some of these books for tales sure to delight young and old alike.

Fiction of the Holocaust

A compelling subject for fiction, the Holocaust demands explanations while defying them all. These stories of victims and survivors, rescuers and perpetrators, attempt to bear witness to the unimaginable.

Gentle Reads

Looking for a good story? Tired of scenes of graphic violence, explicit sex, and dysfunctional families? Try these novels which have wholesome characters, some humor, a little romance, some introspection, but above all, give the reader a good feeling when finished.

Good Reads for the "Sport" in You

Whether you are a professional, an armchair athlete, or a weekend warrior you're sure to enjoy some of these novels about sports.

Green Reads: Environmental Fiction and Nonfiction

In 1962, Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring set in motion a public consciousness about the environment and led to a ban on DDT. The following titles have the environment as their theme — the ills perpetrated against it, the harm and hope that lies ahead, and the people who are trying to make a difference.

Hispanic Authors

If you enjoyed the works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez or Isabel Allende, try some of these works of fiction by other writers of Hispanic origin.

If You Like The Office

If you enjoy the television show The Office, try one of these novels about power-hungry bosses and quirky co-workers in dysfunctional workplaces. You may realize that your job isn’t so bad after all!

The Immigrant Experience

From the four corners of the world come these stories about the immigrant experience. Whether following family or chasing after dreams, these characters are living with one foot in each world: their new home and the home left behind.

Israeli Authors

Enjoy some of these best-known works from Israeli authors.

It's a Laughing Matter: Humorous Fiction

In the mood for something light, a book with quirky characters, witty dialogue, or perhaps a satirical twist? While humor is indeed a personal thing, why not let some of these titles tickle your funny bone and lighten your life?

Jane Austen Lives On!: Novels Inspired by Jane Austen's Life and Works

Do not despair, gentle reader, if you’ve already read all of Jane Austen’s works and still hunger for more. You may now move on to any of these contemporary novels inspired by Jane Austen’s books, her characters, and even her own life.

Male Bonding

Childhood buddies, co-workers, army pals — these books are about friendships between men or boys, with all the pleasure and pain that friendship brings.

Manly Fiction

Some seek to solve mysteries, others are looking for love, still others are trying to make sense of their lives. The men you’ll find in these novels invite you along to join in their search.

Meanwhile... A List of Sequels, Prequels, and What Might Have Been

Some books engage our imagination so thoroughly that we want to know everything about all of the characters; we’re curious about Jim’s life before he met Huck Finn.  These books help fill in some of the missing pieces and let us stay in the story for a little while longer.

Medieval Fiction

The medieval period of 500-1450 A.D. is brought to life in these historical titles set in Europe and Great Britain. Tales of the Crusades, Vikings, kings, paupers, and knights are bound in these pages.

Modern Motherhood

When the heroines of "chick lit" have children they become the heroines of "mommy lit," touching, amusing tales of the trials and tribulations of modern pregnancy and motherhood.

My Sister's Keeper: Sisters in Fiction

These books cover the gamut of the bonds and rivalries between sisters: humor and mystery; aging parents; younger sisters who are children; suicide, kidnapping, and murder; and laughter and love.

Native American Fiction

The Native American community boasts many great authors who have created a wide range of literature. The following is a selection of critically acclaimed fiction, mystery, western, humor, and poetry.

Outlandish Adventure

If you like improbable, oft-times outrageous adventures involving quick-witted, roguish, or eccentric characters, you may enjoy these picaresque novels. Examples of classic picaresque literature are Tom Jones, Candide, and Don Quixote.

Pulse Pounding Adventures

Who says a book can’t be as exciting as a movie? Swashbuckling heroes, rampaging monsters, fiendish villians, exotic locales, nonstop action, and thrills aplenty all await in the pages of these books.

Questions of Faith

These novels contain a strong element of spiritual quest. There may be a loss or a rebirth of faith, a struggle to reconcile lifestyle or events with one’s faith, or the pursuit of spirituality beyond the boundaries of organized religion.

Reading Group Favorites

If your reading group is looking for new titles to read, try one of these recommendations.

Road Trip!

Enjoy adventure, discovery, heartbreak, and peril on these literary journeys through the United States.

Shopping Fiction

Shopping can be a costly endeavor, but the price is always right when it’s someone else’s money. Save your money and your feet — you can read these books in the comfort of your home!

Small Gems

Sometimes a short book can really pack a punch with its economy of words and tight focus. If you're looking for a book that is quick and engaging, try one of these small gems.

Tales of the Titanic

The unforgettable story of the Titanic and its fatal voyage has inspired the novels and films collected in this list.

Time Travel

What if something happened and you found yourself in first century Byzantium, Montana in the 1880s, or New York City in the year 3046?  How would you cope and, more to the point, how would you get back?  Enjoy these science fiction, fiction, and romance tales of time travel.

Appalachian Fiction

Appalachia, in the words of author Sharyn McCrumb, is an exotic mix of “ghosts and gold mines, Cherokees and Civil War legends, cougars and Child ballads, moonshine and white water.” The following titles span a large amount of time but share the rich Appalachian heritage.

Asian Fiction

Travel to an Asian country from the comfort of home and learn more about Asian culture by reading one of these novels.

Canadian Mysteries

When you're looking for some cool crimes, you may want to go north of the border. While the local police will either hoof it or cruise around town in their squad cars, occasionally the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) ride in to save the day. It would be criminal to miss these books, eh!

Caribbean Fiction

The countries and territories of the West Indies have histories and cultures that provide rich fodder for fiction. These novels are set in Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, and Trinidad.

Far Eastern Fiction

Set in Hong Kong, Korea, Mongolia, Taiwan, and Tibet, these are recently published novels by Asian and Western authors. The setting of the novels is mostly 20th century or present day, and the the stories deal with the effects of colonization, occupation, tradition, and social change.

Fiction Set in France

Stories set in France can pique a reader’s appetite for travel in a wonderful way. Whether you fancy mystery, romance, humor or historical fiction, the following books will whisk you away to the land of Paris and Provence, no passport required.

Fiction Set in Italy

From Sicily to Florence, from the Middle Ages to present day, the settings for all these books is Italia.

Irish Tales

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day year-round by reading one of these books by Irish authors about the Irish.

Japanese Fiction

The blockbuster novel Memoirs of a Geisha came out in 1997. Some of the many novels written since then, all about Japan, are listed here.

Life During the Cultural Revolution

Reading these stories about life in China in terrible circumstances can help us understand the indomitable strength of the human spirit.

Murder in Faraway Places

Enjoy these crime stories set in distant lands.

Out of Africa: Fiction Influenced by Africa

Africa may be across the ocean but the culture, climate, and stories of Africa can be brought into your home with these novels.

Out of Africa: Nonfiction

Explore Africa through these nonfiction accounts of events and adventure!

Passages to India

Embracing the richness of Indian culture, these novels explore family bonds, tradition, and identity. Whether they are set in Bombay or New Jersey, these books evoke the colors and flavors of the subcontinent.

Academic Mysteries

When death stalks those hallowed halls of ivy, it is often the professors, teachers, or students who must find the culprits... or maybe THEY are the culprits. Enjoy some of these fine mysteries with an academic setting.

African-American Mysteries

The sleuths in these mysteries come from all walks of life. There’s a maid, a barkeep and former CIA agent, a few are homicide detectives, a newspaper reporter, firefighter, and a fair number of private eyes. Check out one of these mysteries featuring African-American characters.

Award Winning Mysteries

If you enjoy reading a well-written mystery, try one of these titles which has been awarded an Agatha Award, an Anthony Award, a Dagger Award, an Edgar Allen Poe Award, a Lambda Award, or a Shamus Award.

Beyond CSI: Books on Forensics

The popularity of TV dramas such as CSI has sparked an interest in crime scene investigation and the science behind crime solving. If you're fascinated by the forensic professionals and the techniques they use to catch criminals, try one of these nonfiction or fiction books.

Canadian Mysteries

When you're looking for some cool crimes, you may want to go north of the border. While the local police will either hoof it or cruise around town in their squad cars, occasionally the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) ride in to save the day. It would be criminal to miss these books, eh!

Christmas Fiction, Romance, and Mystery

Keep the spirit of Christmas alive year-round by enjoying one of these Christmas stories.

Crime Noir

Derived from the term “roman noir,” French for black novel, this is gritty hardboiled fiction where themes of loneliness, despair, sexual obsession, and hard luck prevail. A fatalistic hero, who is often more victim or perpetrator than detective, tries to save those at the margins of society.

Culinary Crimes

A teaspoon of this and a pinch of that and you’re dead. When one of their guests winds up in the soup, chefs, caterers, and hosts must solve the crimes to divert suspicion from themselves. If you enjoy crimes in the kitchen, try one of these titles.

Dynamic Duos

Whether they be husband and wife, inspector and sergeant, co-workers, ex-spouses, or friendly enemies, these dynamic sleuthing duos work in tandem to solve the crimes they stumble onto. If you enjoy partners in crime, try a few of these books.

Gruesome Gardens

Gardens can be such lovely spots, all verdant and lush and deadly. There are such delicious ways to get rid of unwanted people; poisonous herbs and flowers and tools of every degree of sharpness or bluntness. Try one of these mysteries with a gardening theme.

Historical Mysteries

Extensive historical research enables these authors to transport readers to faraway worlds and times, enlightening as well as entertaining us with their stories of crime.

Janet Evanovich Read-a-Likes

Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum & MetroGirl series feature young female protagonists who are involved with crime fighting and frequently find themselves in over their heads. The novels listed below have similar plot situations, quirky characters, humorous dialogue, or feisty protagonists.

Jewish Mysteries

Enjoy these crime stories which incorporate Jewish sleuths, settings, and situations.

Medieval Mysteries

The Middle Ages are murderous in these mysteries set in the world of knights, ladies, monks, and peasants.

Murder in Faraway Places

Enjoy these crime stories set in distant lands.

Murder in the Cold Outdoors

When the weather outside is frightful, and the fire is so delightful, settle in with one of these mysteries set in the cold outdoors.

Police Procedurals

From Las Vegas to Louisiana, police suffer the same restrictions and indignities whether it be from legal authorities, their partners, criminals, or the citizens they are sworn to protect, while trying to make their world a safer place. If you enjoy all the technical aspects of police work, try these titles.

Beyond CSI: Books on Forensics

The popularity of TV dramas such as CSI has sparked an interest in crime scene investigation and the science behind crime solving. If you're fascinated by the forensic professionals and the techniques they use to catch criminals, try one of these nonfiction or fiction books.

Bill Bryson Read-a-Likes

Visit a new landscape with a fresh perspective. If you liked Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods, you might want to try these other travel narratives which are similarly replete with humor and insight.

Fast and Fun Beach Reads

This combination of old favorites you may have missed and hot new titles offers some great reads for the beach, the porch, or that cozy chair.

Food Glorious Food

The next best thing to eating is reading about food. The following books all share a passion for culinary adventures – either in the kitchen, a restaurant, or through historical study.

Freakonomics Read-a-Likes

The phenomena of everyday life are examined in these informative and readable nonfiction titles.

The Glass Castle Read-a-Likes

Scores of people have read and discussed The Glass Castle in book discussion groups, among their friends and families, or online. If you, too, were fascinated by this tale of an extremely dysfunctional family, and would like to read other books which explore troubled childhoods and how the protagonist rose above them, try one of these titles.

Green Reads: Environmental Fiction and Nonfiction

In 1962, Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring set in motion a public consciousness about the environment and led to a ban on DDT. The following titles have the environment as their theme — the ills perpetrated against it, the harm and hope that lies ahead, and the people who are trying to make a difference.

The Kite Runner Read-a-Likes

Khaled Hosseini's first novel, The Kite Runner, is a coming-of-age story set in Afghanistan amidst political, racial, and religious turmoil. If you enjoyed The Kite Runner, check out these fiction and nonfiction books that explore themes of childhood friendship, immigration, cultural conflict, and the Middle East.

Out of Africa: Nonfiction

Explore Africa through these nonfiction accounts of events and adventure!

The Secret Read-a-Likes

Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret has introduced millions of readers to the concept of the Law of Attraction. If you want to learn more about making The Secret work for you, try one of these similar books.

Self Help Classics

Looking to make a positive change in your life? These books have stood the test of time and helped millions of people reach their goals, solve problems, and achieve peace of mind.

African-American Romance

Whether hot and steamy, or playful and romantic, these novels feature men and women of color, be they sassy ladies, upright women, sensitive heroes, or bad boys looking for love and that one special somebody.

Christmas Fiction, Romance, and Mystery

Keep the spirit of Christmas alive year-round by enjoying one of these Christmas stories.

Love Again

Sometimes, when the love between two people seems to have been lost forever, they get a second chance. Forced apart by circumstances or a misunderstanding, the characters in the following books rediscover each other, often finding that it’s much better the second time around.

Love Bites: Vampire Romance

For readers who enjoy love stories with a sharper edge, here are some tasty bites — I mean bets!

Nicholas Sparks Read-a-Likes

Known for his heartwarming and gentle novels of love and loss, Sparks always leaves readers wanting more. To read other tales about the power of love, try these titles.

Paranormal Romance

Love comes in many forms, literally! In these tales, characters fall in love with shape-shifters, witches, werewolves, and ghosts.

Romantic Suspense

Suspense is the catalyst, bringing together a resourceful heroine and a hero. But which man is the hero? The dangerous one or the delectably dangerous one? Get your heart pounding with these romantic suspense titles.

Time Travel

What if something happened and you found yourself in first century Byzantium, Montana in the 1880s, or New York City in the year 3046?  How would you cope and, more to the point, how would you get back?  Enjoy these science fiction, fiction, and romance tales of time travel.

As If the Present Weren't Scary Enough

If the evening news hasn't done enough to frighten you, try one of these harrowing novels about the fictional present and future.

Battlestar Galactica Read-a-Likes

If you’re a Battlestar Galactica fan, or like books about artificial intelligence and cyborgs, you might enjoy some of these titles.

Never Let Me Go Read-a-Likes

If you liked Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go, or other books about clones, you might enjoy these titles.

Time Travel

What if something happened and you found yourself in first century Byzantium, Montana in the 1880s, or New York City in the year 3046?  How would you cope and, more to the point, how would you get back?  Enjoy these science fiction, fiction, and romance tales of time travel.

Below Zero: Stories of Cold and Snow

Extreme temperatures and fierce winds can cause intense emotions. Whether as a backdrop or as a main part of the plot, these novels use the cold to tell their stories.

Christmas Fiction, Romance, and Mystery

Keep the spirit of Christmas alive year-round by enjoying one of these Christmas stories.

Fast and Fun Beach Reads

This combination of old favorites you may have missed and hot new titles offers some great reads for the beach, the porch, or that cozy chair.

A Chill in the Blood: Vampire Fiction

Tales of vampires have terrified and entertained readers for generations. These titles about the undead show the evolution of the genre.

Da Vinci Code Read-a-Likes

Since it was published in 2003 The Da Vinci Code has been enormously popular. Millions of readers have become caught up in Dan Brown's tale of a murder at the Louvre and an ancient secret society. If you have read The Da Vinci Code and want to read other similar books check out some of these read-a-likes.

Financial Thrillers

Big money means big dangers in these thrillers set in the world of high finance.

Harlan Coben Read-a-Likes

Cops, mafia, ordinary folks — people who have personal demons to confront, rapid-fire action, complex plots full of surprises, and frequently, an irreverent sense of humor; all characterize Coben’s writing. The focus is on the protagonist’s struggle with an extraordinary situation and a fast pace, enhanced by less description and more dialogue and action. If you enjoy Harlan Coben's books try one of these thrillers.

Political Thrillers

Politicians are the bane of our existence and the hope of our future. In this world of international terrorists and fame-seeking individuals, they are often at risk, but sometimes they are the threat to themselves and us as these political thrillers illustrate.

Pulse Pounding Adventures

Who says a book can’t be as exciting as a movie? Swashbuckling heroes, rampaging monsters, fiendish villians, exotic locales, nonstop action, and thrills aplenty all await in the pages of these books.

Teenage Trauma: Coming-of-Age Thrillers

These suspenseful novels feature a young protagonist who learns about life by an involvement in some perilous adventure or mystery.

Adult Reading Round Table Booklists

Each year the Adult Reading Round Table chooses a topic of interest and creates an annotated booklist on the subject or theme.  This site gathers together the results.

Fiction_L Booklists

Morton Grove Public Library has created this index of booklists written by librarians and organized by genre, setting, subject, author, and other categories.

NoveList Booklists

The Feature Articles page of the NoveList database gathers together hundreds of fully annotated booklists organized by age level, genre, subject matter, and theme.  Select the "For Readers" tab at the top of the page and then click on the "Annotated Book Lists" link.
The Author Read-alikes page of NoveList provides lists of recommended reading for fans of over a hundred popular authors including John Grisham, Janet Evanovich, Tom Clancy, Mary Higgins Clark, and Sidney Sheldon.  Select the "For Readers" tab at the top of the page and then click on the "Author Read-alikes" link.

Skokie Public Library's guide to this database

2007 Staff Book Picks

Skokie Public Library staff members select favorite books read in 2007.  And it's never too late!  Check out favorite staff book selections read in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006.