- Emily Stoll
- Thursday, January 21, 2021
Does your New Year's resolution involve reading more? We want to help you achieve that goal.
There's a new list of reading prompts as part of the 2021 Broader Bookshelf Reading Challenge, which aims to get people outside their reading comfort zones and discover new authors, genres and books that they might not otherwise select.
Our Research and Readers' Advisory Department is ringing in the New Year with some new suggestions. Columbia Living Magazine highlighted them in a recent issue. See the prompts and titles that our staff picked and paired together.
Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade
Prompt: Read a romance novel
Recommended by Sara McBride
She’s a plus sized geologist whose passion is cosplaying a character from the biggest show on television. (Think “A Game of Thrones” but Roman gods and heroes.) He’s the ridiculously attractive star of the show – but when he asks her out on a date to spite her fat-shaming internet critics, he finds out that he’s known her for years… as his fanfiction writing partner. But he can’t tell her that.
This romance is equal parts steamy, funny, angsty and heartwarming – whether you’re an avid romance reader or looking to fulfill this Broader Bookshelf prompt with your first romance ever, there’s a lot to love here.
Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orisha, 1) by Tomi Adeyemi
Prompt: Read the first book in a series by a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) author
Recommended by Mona Verma
“Children of Blood and Bone” is a must-read monumental tale of the fierce Zélie Adebola who fights against oppression to avenge the death of her mother and free her people in Orisha who were “crushed” to build a ruthless monarchy “on the backs” of their “blood and bone.” Helped by her brother Tzain and a rogue princess named Amari, Zélie harnesses magical powers and uses the vast potential of her brilliant mind over matter as the trio wage many battles.
The book is an allegory for racism against African Americans in America. When Zélie wonders why the king and his men hate her, Mama Agba wisely says, “They don't hate you, my child. They hate what you were meant to become.” It is heartening to see Zelie’s journey as she rises and reclaims her magic and herself.
This majestic fantasy novel is geared toward young adults, but it is a marvelous read for adults as well.
I Was Told to Come Alone: My Journey Behind the Lines of Jihad by Souad Mekhennet
Prompt: Read a fiction or nonfiction book by a journalist
Recommended by Megan Mathis
In this fast-paced memoir, journalist Souad Mekhennet recalls her interviews behind the lines of jihad. As a Muslim who was born and educated in Germany, Mekhennet knows firsthand the misunderstandings between Muslims and the Western World. She maintains a neutral – and sometimes mediating - position as she tries to present all sides of the conflicts between Muslims and the West as well as internal rifts in Islam. Her tenacity in getting interviews and maintaining sources is astounding. During the course of her interviews, Mekhennet ends up in some harrowing situations, including being arrested by Egyptian security forces during the Arab Spring. She manages to maintain a sense of humor and even project a sense of calm while reporting in daunting and dangerous situations.
Creatures by Crissy Van Meter
Prompt: Read a book with a one-word title
Recommended by Mahogany Skillings
“Creatures” is the story of Evangeline/Evie and the days leading up to her wedding, but the story covers so much more. We travel through her memories of childhood on Winter Island, her coming of age when she leaves for the Mainland, how she returns to winter Island for good, and her relationship with her husband after the wedding.
Every moment of the tale works to keep you grounded in reality and struggling with love and loss in this story about the ways our families and friends can hurt us. At the same time, they can heal us so wholly that our lives are reinvented. The overall story is covered in a mist that feels gloomy. Within that gloom though, you are offered a ray of sunshine as secrets are revealed, stories are told and forgiveness is found.
A complete list of prompts is available here, and our staff can certainly offer up some personalized reading recommendations to help you complete the 2021 Broader Bookshelf Reading Challenge.