Dark academia fiction typically addresses a variety of social issues, characters who have an academic or obsessive pursuit of knowledge, and a cast of morally ambiguous characters, commonly seen through an Eurocentric lens. If you are looking for books that go beyond the cookie-cutter plot of Donna Tart's The Secret History, give these titles a try.
This is by no means a comprehensive list. And that, dear reader, is a very big deal. In scarcely a decade, we have gone from almost no fiction by openly autistic authors being published to having an embarrassment of riches. I could easily have found three times as many titles in the library’s collection without changing the rules I set for the list.
Think of this list, then, as something of a sample platter. I have tried to represent a variety of genres. I have tried to show some of the extraordinary diversity of autism, and the ways in which autistic and LGBTQ identities so often overlap. Some of the books here feature autistic characters and the issues specific to them, some have characters who “read” as autistic even if the term is never used, and some do none of that. The only criteria are that these are works of fiction intended for adults, written by authors who have publicly identified themselves as being autistic.
Read what appeals to you, and then use that as a starting point for seeing what else is out there.
From fantasy to literary fiction to romance, explore a wide range of stories of the Muslim experience.
These films feature Muslim stories that move beyond stereotypes and show the complexity and diversity of the Muslim community.
From action to romance, explore a wide range of stories of the Muslim experience in films made by or starring Muslim actors and creators.
Islam is the second-largest world religion. These books explore the religion, the current struggles the Muslim community is facing, and its influence in people's lives in their own voices as written in memoirs.
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
Here is some of the best fiction by Black authors published in 2023 and 2024.
Our staff suggest these nonfiction titles in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage.
Staff share their favorite titles for book clubs to discuss.
These stories highlight the experiences and perspectives of Asian American and Pacific Islander authors.
For lovers of the cottage-core lifestyle and aesthetic, these titles explore the joys of simple living and the magic that can be found when we take a step back from the rush of city life.
Although it is impossible to fully encompass the breadth of women's experiences, these are some of our recent favorites.
These books honor the achievements and contributions of women in history.
Library staff share their favorite audiobook titles.
Staff recommend their favorite classic horror novels.
From slashers to haunted houses, these books are perfect for any spooky occasion.
Celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories, and life experiences of Native and Indigenous people in these adult fiction books.
Whether the nature you know is outside your back door or a wilderness destination, there is endless beauty and wonder to be celebrated in the natural world. Here, Skokie librarians share some favorite books about nature and the benefits of getting outdoors.
In 2013, the United Nations and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a globally peer reviewed report that concluded, "climate change is real and human activities, largely the release of polluting gases from burning fossil fuel (coal, oil, gas), is the main cause. Here are some books to help make sense of the impact of climate change.
Enjoy a wide variety of our favorite fantasy picks, all recommended by our wonderful staff.
These influential directors have broken barriers in film and have established themselves as "directors to watch." Compiled by Sharon, Rummanah, and Chris.
Enjoy this wide array of critically acclaimed documentaries from around the world. Compiled by Sharon, Rummanah, and Chris.
Enjoy this wide variety of critically acclaimed international feature films from around the world. Compiled by Sharon, Rummanah, and Chris.
These influential directors have broken barriers in film and have established themselves as "directors to watch." Compiled by Sharon, Rummanah, and Chris.
From movies to TV series, we've got something to cast the right viewing spell.
Young adult (YA) literature, broadly defined as books intended for those ages 12 to 18, wasn’t officially recognized as a category until the 1960s. Even though these books are based on the lives of teens, readers of all ages enjoy them. Here are some of the most influential YA titles throughout the years.
Staff recommend their favorite classic horror novels.
Library staff share their favorite horror titles.
We love these and think you will find something here to love, as well!
Romance provides readers with entertainment, sexual empowerment, emotional fulfillment, lots of fun, and an emotionally satisfying happily ever after (or at least a happily for now). And in this day and age, who doesn't want that?