Pack your bags—no passport required! This list of recommended reads invites you to travel through stories set in 80 different countries, each offering a unique window into culture, history, and life around the globe. One list, countless journeys.
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Readers Advisory
Find your next read! Check out these librarian recommended lists:
New Year Reset
Start the year with a clean slate! This book list is packed with inspiring reads to help you reflect, refocus, and reimagine what’s possible. From mindset shifts to fresh habits and new perspectives, these books are your perfect companions for turning the page on the past and stepping confidently into the year ahead.
Historical Fiction - NOT World War II
Step beyond WWII and discover history through a fresh lens. This historical fiction list explores unforgettable stories set in other times and places—rich with intrigue, resilience, and humanity—proving the past has so many powerful tales still waiting to be told.
Around the World in 80 Books
Full Cast Audio
Press play and step inside the story! This full-cast audiobook list brings books to life with immersive performances, rich soundscapes, and unforgettable voices—perfect for getting completely lost in the experience. Perfect for those new to audiobooks and the audio experts!
Epistolary January
Fall in love with stories told through letters, diaries, and messages. Did you love The Correspondent by Virginia Evans? Our Epistolary January book list celebrates novels written in correspondence, offering intimate, creative, and deeply personal stories that feel like secrets shared just with you.
Best of 2025
This curated collection brings together standout titles from the New York Times, Booker Prize, National Book Award, Time Magazine, and more, showcasing the stories, voices, and ideas that shaped the literary landscape. From boundary-pushing fiction to groundbreaking nonfiction, these are the books that critics praised, judges celebrated, and readers couldn’t stop talking about. Whether you're catching up on the year’s best or building your next brilliant TBR, this list is your passport to the most acclaimed books of the moment.
Holiday Baking, Cooking, and Crafting
Our holiday book list is your go-to guide for festive baking, cozy cooking, and joyful crafting. From irresistible treats and crowd-pleasing holiday meals to handmade décor and heartfelt DIY gifts, these books offer inspiration for every corner of your holiday home. Whether you're stirring up family traditions or starting new ones, this curated collection will help you savor the magic of the season—one recipe, project, and memory at a time.
Cozy Up With Your Crockpot
Need something warm and easy for dinner options? Check out all our amazing slow cooker cookbooks and add a new favorite to your family meal planning!
Holiday Mystery
Unwrap a little intrigue this holiday season! From snowbound secrets to festive whodunits, these holiday mysteries mix cozy cheer with chilling twists. Perfect for readers who like their cocoa hot and their clues cold.
Holiday Romance
Looking for love under the mistletoe? Curl up with our cozy collection of holiday romances—where snowy nights, twinkling lights, and unexpected kisses bring a little extra magic to the season. Perfect for anyone who believes the best gift of all is a happily ever after.
Giving Thanks
This list has books to inspire gratitude and thankfulness for all ages. Count your blessings and pick a great book from this list!
Indigenous Reads
Indigenous Heritage (or Native American Heritage) Month is celebrated in the U.S. each November. This list includes fiction and nonfiction picks by Native authors from across the continent.
Celebrate Hispanic American Heritage Month
Hispanic American Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15-October 15 to honor the culture and traditions of Hispanic and Latino culture and history. This list has great reads for all ages!
Banned Books
Banned Books Week launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of book challenges in libraries, schools, and bookstores. Check out this list of some of our favorite challenged and banned books.
Breast Cancer Awareness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so check out this list of resources for anyone to learn more about it, find resources for dealing with it, and find comfort in others' stories.
Spooky Season
It's that time of the year! Whether you're looking for a true horror book, or something just a little creepy to get you in the spooky spirit, this list has something for everyone!
How To Books
Wanting to learn a new skill? Check out this list of How To books to learn everything from gardening to driving, from style to finding success. This list has it all!
Cozy Fall Vibes
Cozy up to a good read from this list of books that have all things fall: football, apple picking, witches, and colorful leaves.
Dark Academia
Get in the back to school spirit with this list of books focusing on dark academia.
Great Family Read Alouds
This list of classics and newer juvenile fiction is great for all ages to read together as a family.
Iowa Authors
Looking for local authors? Check out our list of books by Iowa authors!
Retellings, Reboots, and Reimaginations
This list features all your favorite stories that have been reimagined through the years!
Binge-Worthy Book Series
Needing a new series to sink your teeth into? Check out this list of great series curated by staff at AKPL.
Readalikes
If you like that, try this recommendations
Waiting for your hold of Louise Penny's newest in the Inspector Gamache series? Check out this list of readalikes while you wait! Here's more authors to consider for Louise Penny fans:
- Ann Cleeves
- Alexander McCall Smith
- Elly Griffiths
- Jacqueline Winspear
Top Ten Librarian Recommendations
Check out Library Associate Anna's Top Ten Items!
Genre Lists
Looking for a new book in your favorite genre? Check out these lists below!