Prompt Bonanza!

You can keep reading from these prompts and recommendations - just see #20 on the Q3 list!

Quarter 1 prizes were awarded for - raffle winner, best descriptions, and broadest reader. 

Quarter 2 prizes will be announced at our READ-IN on July 15!

 

First Quarter Reading Prompts

Read as many as you want or are able! Set your own goals. Share your progress in your log forms and on social media.

Choose categories that will Broaden your Bookshelf, but also feel free to read from categories that are old favorites. 

Log your reading using this form or come into the store to fill out a paper form.

  1. Read a Retelling of a Classic Story, Fairy Tale, or Myth
  2. Read a Graphic Novel (Fiction or Nonfiction)
  3. Read a Romance Novel 
  4. Read a Fantasy Novel
  5. Read a book featuring a Found Family (a family of choice or a family happened into)
  6. Read a book that passes the Bechdel Test (i.e. women have conversations not about men)
  7. Read a book with a Purple cover (Our store color!)
  8. Read a Biography or Memoir of someone different than you in a significant way.
  9. Read a book that is being adapted in 2022.
  10. Read a book that features specialized knowledge in a field (i.e., a novel about trees or a NF book about astrophysics)
  11. Read a book set in a place on your travel bucket list
  12. Read a book about joy and/or possibility
  13. Read Ishiguro with Toni (A class with Literary Cleveland! See our website for info. But any Ishiguro book will do.)
  14. Read a book by a Local Voices author or someone else from Northeast Ohio.
  15. Read a book featuring an "Otis" or an "Alice." (Our store cats!)
  16. Read a 2021 Bestseller (in any genre/any bestseller list … tell us about it in log)
  17. Read a book from a Loganberry Discussion Group Reading List
  18. Read a book by an author that has the same name as you
  19. Read a book set in Northeast Ohio
  20. Read a 2022 ALA YMA Winner (American Library Association Youth Media Award – winners announced 1/24)

 

Recommended Titles

Here are all the YES, ABSOLUTELY BOOKS read so far, with their categories. (Stay tuned for the maybes.)

Many of these titles we have in stock (call us at 216-795-9800 or check our online store). If we don't have them, they are available on our Bookshop.org affiliate page. You can also find many as ebooks or audio books on our affiliate sites.

Book's Title Book's Author Tell us about your read! What challenge categories does the book fit into? 
Normal People Rooney, Sally Absolutely loved this! Had a great reading experience and completely fell into the story. ...  Read a 2021 Bestseller
Going There Couric, Katie Great celebrity memoir. Read a 2021 Bestseller
People We Meet on Vacation Emily Henry This was the perfect friends to lovers romance to read during Valentine's Day. I mainly don't read a lot of romance but had a great reading experience... Read a 2021 Bestseller
Memorial Drive Trethewey, Natasha This book is heartbreaking, but beautifully written. Not an easy book to read. It is an extremely personal book that leaves the reader with a lot to think about in the end. Read a Biography or Memoir of someone different from you
Taste Tucci, Stanley So good! I listened to the audio which was read by Stanley Tucci. The book was great because it's all about food and I consider myself a foodie. But, it fits this category because he is very unlike me... Read a Biography or Memoir of someone different from you
What We Don't Talk About When We Talk About Fat Aubrey Gordon Critically important!! Especially if you are not fat. This book, and this author's podcast, have helped me change a lot about how I think and talk about the world. Read a Biography or Memoir of someone different from you, Read a book that features specialized knowledge
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Favilli, Elena Features a wide variety of women and their amazing accomplishments. Read a book about joy and/or possibility
Beautiful World Where Are You Rooney, Sally The four characters lives intertwine as they think about major issues of our time from climate anxiety to fascism and capitalism. ... Read a book about joy and/or possibility
Ophelia After All Racqel Marie One of my favorite books of the year! Beautiful coming of age story about a Cuban girl in her senior year of high school questioning her sexuality and scared of change.
Read a book about joy and/or possibility
Around the World in 80 Days Verne, Jules It is a fun classic and is a nice quick read for adults.  Read a book about joy and/or possibility, Read a book set in a place on your travel bucket list
The zen of therapy Epstein, mark This book combines two of my favorite things, Buddhism and Psychology, and would appeal to anybody interested in either subject... Read a book about joy and/or possibility, Read a book that features specialized knowledge
The Great Believers Rebecca Makkai Set against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis as young gay men were dying at an alarming rate ... explores grief and the complexities of loneliness and connection and what trauma does to us. ... Read a book featuring Found Family
Black Buck Askaripour, Mateo Kinda of a coming of age novel. I read it after seeing it described as someone’s favorite on Twitter. I easily came to like the main character, Buck aka Darren, as he makes his way from being a big fish at his local Starbucks to .... Read a book featuring Found Family
To Night Owl from Dogfish Holly Goldberg Sloan This book is the story of a friendship between Avery Bloom and Bett Devlin. Told via emails and letters between the two, it shows us that friendships can't be forced. However it also teaches us that unlikely pairs can work out. ...
Read a book featuring Found Family, Read a book about joy and/or possibility
The Girl Who Drank The Moon Kelly Barnhill This is a fantastical middle grade novel that is all about loss, found family and magic! I adored all of the characters and different point of views including the girl who drank the moon, the witch, the dragon, the mad woman and glerk! Read a book featuring Found Family, Read a book about joy and/or possibility, Read a book with a purple cover
Girl in Pieces Glasgow, Kathleen This is a book for teenagers focused on a girl who cuts herself. Her mother ships her across the country to fend for herself, and this is the story of how she changed her rough life into a life of hope and possibility.... Read a book featuring Found Family, Read a book that passes the Bechdel Test
The Giver of Stars Jojo Moyes I would recommend this to horse girls and fans of romance. It was a quick read that I got emotionally invested in. I loved the setting! Read a book featuring Found Family, Read a book with featuring an "Otis" or an "Alice", Read a book set in a place on your travel bucket list
The Long Goodbye Raymond Chandler It features a detective in 40s LA who encounters a myriad of characters and subplots that all contribute to an overarching story of the apparent suicide of a wanted man. Read a book set in a place on your travel bucket list
American Kingpin Bilton, Nick Specialized knowledge about the Silk Road, computer programming, bitcoin, and Tor. ... it felt like a movie. Extremely fast paced and interesting. Good at explaining technical elements ... Read a book that features specialized knowledge
Dancing with the Tiger Wright, Lili Complicated characters, art thieving, drug lords, seduction, deception, wealthy gringo assholes, meth, and murder. What's not to love? The book opens a challenge to the Indiana Jones school of history and archaeology, as is only right. Read a book that features specialized knowledge
Project Hail Mary Andy Weir An astronaut with temporary amnesia wakes up alone on a spaceship and has to patch his memory together and use his scientific know how to save the world. ... Read a book that features specialized knowledge
The Betrayal of Anne Frank Sullivan, Rosemary A fascinating detective story taking on a case seventy-seven years after it happened. A specialized cold case team of experts examined many thousands of documents, interviewed the children of people involved in how Anne Frank and her family were, as WWII was drawing to a close and Nazi Germany was losing the war, found ... Read a book that features specialized knowledge
The School for Good and Evil Soman Chainani Super cozy middlegrade read! Loved the friendship and all of the fairy tale tropes. Great start to a series. Read a book that is being adapted in 2022
The Pull of the Stars Emma Donoghue I absolutely loved this book. It takes place over just a few days and I think I experienced every emotion along with these characters. Set in a women's flu isolation ward in 1918 Dublin during the Great Influenza, this was thematically reflective of our current reality. ... Read a book that passes the Bechdel Test
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 2 Elena Favilli Excellent for kids but adults will enjoy it too! Read a book that passes the Bechdel Test
State of Terror Louise Penny and Hillary Clinton A page turning thriller with lots of political intrigue. Clinton's insight as a former secretary of state into the situations posed shines through. A lot of funny winks and nods to long time Penny readers ... Read a book that passes the Bechdel Test
Miss Eliza's English Kitchen Annabel Abbs This is a story about two women from different backgrounds developing a friendship and a working relationship. It's based on a true story, and the life of Eliza Acton, who was a poet and basically the creator of the modern cookbook... Read a book that passes the Bechdel Test
Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest Simard, Suzanne This book is a gem. Equal parts informative and emotionally moving, it reads as part scientific journal article, part intimate diary entry. Or perhaps, like a warm cup of coffee shared with a passionate friend on a misty morning at the edge of a forest. ... Read a book that passes the Bechdel Test, Read a book about joy and/or possibility, Read a book that features specialized knowledge
Billion Dollar Loser Reeves Wiedeman Perfect for those who love to follow the rise and fall of start-up grifters. If you loved Bad Blood you will like this. Read a book with a purple cover
The Giver of Stars Moyes, JoJo This is a novel based on the WPA's Packhorse librarians in Kentucky during the depression. The main character Alice is originally from England but marries an American and moves to Kentucky where she does not fit in. ... I loved this book as it brings together the importance of loyal friends and the love of books.... Read a book with featuring an "Otis" or an "Alice"
The Wolf and the Woodsman Reid, Ava It took me a hot minute to really get into this book but I'm ultimately glad I stuck it out as I liked the second half significantly more than the beginning. It would have been a shame to have missed on some lovely prose at the very end. ... Read a Fantasy Novel
The Eye of the World Jordan, Robert Hugely popular first book in The Wheel of Time series. Very very long. Rich world building with languages, fantasy species, history, lore… Read a Fantasy Novel
Feet of Clay Terry Pratchett A crime procedural with a fantasy twist and incredibly clever writing. Read a Fantasy Novel
The Absolute Book Elizabeth Knox The Absolute Book was my first fiction book in ages, and it successfully reignited my affection for science fiction and fantasy. You will like this book if you like mysterious arcane books, magical doorways, and century-spanning mystery storylines. The tone reminded me a bit of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell Read a Fantasy Novel
The Brides of Maracoor Gregory McGuire If you love the Wicked series, this is for you! A story featuring Elphaba’s granddaughter. I’ve reread the series wanting more and now finally have it! Read a Fantasy Novel
A Court of Mist and Fury Maas, Sarah J. This is the second in the series and even better than the first. I really got sucked in. Read a Fantasy Novel
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West Gregory Maguire Wicked tells the tale of Elphaba and her life as she becomes the wicked witch of the west. This book is an interesting look into what makes someone truly wicked and why. Are we all a little bit wicked?... Read a Fantasy Novel
Kindred Butler, Octavia I've read this before, but reread recently and I found it even more compelling. It forces the reader to enter into the tangled relationships and obligations not just of slavery in the past but ... Read a Fantasy Novel, Read a book featuring Found Family
Legend Lu, Marie A dystopian novel set in the United States which has since been split into the Colonies and the Republic due to the rising sea levels that forced people to move west. ... Read a Fantasy Novel, Read a book that passes the Bechdel Test
Bad Sister Charise Mericle Harper A brutally honest look at being an older sister who doesn't always do the right thing to her little brother. Read a Graphic Novel
Maus I & II Art Spiegelman I decided to read Maus because of its recent banning in Tennessee. ... My husband's Ukrainian grandparents were in work camps during the war and Art's father Vladek reminded me a lot of his Gedo. The fact that this terrible thing happened and it didn't make them better or have a hopeful, inspiring arc felt incredibly real and true to how I've experienced my husband's family and the inter-generational trauma in my own family. I appreciate that. Read a Graphic Novel
We Hereby Refuse Abe, Frank This was a true story about 3 people wrongfully imprisoned in the WWII Japanese Internment Camps. ... I have read many books about the internment camps since my father was imprisoned at one in Heart Mountain, WY. This is the first graphic "novel" that I have ever read so it was very different ... Read a Graphic Novel
The Prince and the Dressmaker Jen Wang This is a short and sweet graphic novel that is set in France and follows Prince Sebastian who is a boy that likes to wear dresses and goes by the alias of Lady Crystallia at night. He finds an amazing dressmaker and become best friends. I feel like this graphic novel challenges stereotypical gender norms in a fantastic way! Read a Graphic Novel, Read a book set in a place on your travel bucket list
Jo & Laurie Stohl, Margaret and De La Cruz, Melissa This is a retelling of Little Women. It tells the story of the March sisters between the two books with the hopeful possibility of different romance elements between main characters. We are treated to adventures in Concord but NY as well. Read a retelling
Troy Stephen Fry This is a retelling and much easier to read of the Iliad and the Odyssey. This book is for more mature middle schoolers, teens, and adults  ...I really enjoyed Stephen Fry's sense of dry humor and way of explaining the complex. Read a retelling, Read a book that features specialized knowledge, Read a book set in a place on your travel bucket list
Sistersong Lucy Holland I loved this book! I enjoyed the way this folklore retelling wove fantasy with history, and gave this ancient world new life. Read a retelling, Read a Fantasy Novel
A Court of Thorns and Roses Maas, Sarah J. This is a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Just a fun, romantic, fantasy romp. Looking forward to continuing with the series. Read a retelling, Read a Fantasy Novel, Read a book that is being adapted in 2022
Lore Olympus Vol. 1 Smythe, Rachel This book is easy to get hooked on reading! The Greek gods are portrayed in a way that makes them more relatable but still shows their base personalities and flaws.  ... Do be warned there is a trigger warning for sexual trauma. Having said that, it is not overdone ...  Read a retelling, Read a Graphic Novel, Read a Romance Novel, Read a Fantasy Novel, Read a book that passes the Bechdel Test, Read a 2022 ALA YMA Winner
The Heart Principle Hoang, Helen I would recommend to fans of The Kiss Quotent! I loved the representation of female autism as well as walking through grief. Read a Romance Novel
The Last Goodbye Fiona Lucas It is a hopeful romance between two people that meet by an unusual happenstance. Anna is still grieving over her husband's death and calls his number which now belongs to Brody who is also grieving, but for different reasons. ... I would definitely recommend it because it fed my 90's rom-com heart. Read a Romance Novel
Reputation Croucher, Lex This is a regency romantic comedy with queer characters and anyone who has fun with Jane Austen or Jane Austen retellings will have fun with this one. Read a Romance Novel
Red, White, and Royal Blue Casey McQuiston This book tells the story of Alex (the son of the president) and Henry (a prince) as they navigate life. Romance ensues and they have to balance their love and power within the world they live. A story about being your true self and making history, ... Read a Romance Novel, Read a book about joy and/or possibility
Lock and Key Sarah Dessen I definitely recommend it as it’s relatable for many people. The main character is a girl who, through borderline abusive circumstances in childhood, has learned to take care of herself and always have an escape plan. ... Read a Romance Novel, Read a book featuring Found Family, Read a book about joy and/or possibility
Never Let Me Go Ishiguro, Kazuo This was my first Ishiguro and I really enjoyed it. It was told in a really compelling and tense way while also having the narrator being so passive and blase, which is an very hard thing to write but he did a great job.... Read Ishiguro with Toni
Big Little Lies Moriarty, Liane A fresh take on a classic suspense mystery! I loved the themes of female empowerment and addressing problems dealt with in daily life. I also appreciate the nuanced discussion of domestic violence. Read a 2021 Bestseller

 

Mysteries, maps, and spring! Bookstores, cats, and South America! Time travel, nature, and poetry!

So many good things to read! (And if you didn't get to everything on your TBR for Q1, check out #20 on the list.) Check out our ever growing list of recommendations for more ideas. Log your reading here. Every book logged is an entry to win prizes at the end of June!

  1. Read a Mystery Book
  2. Read a Nature Book
  3. Read a book featuring multiple languages
  4. Read a book with a prominent cat character
  5. Read a book set in a bookstore
  6. Read a book with plants or flowers on the cover or in the title
  7. Read a Poetry collection
  8. Read a book by your favorite author you haven’t read before
  9. Read a book with or recommended by your parent
  10. Read a book that has a map
  11. Read a book with time travel or anachronisms
  12. Read a book with a medieval setting
  13. Read an Alt-History book
  14. Read a book with characters who are performers
  15. Read a bookseller’s recommendation
  16. Read a childhood favorite
  17. Read a book with “Spring” elements on the cover or in the title
  18. Read a book set in Africa or South America
  19. Read a book from an author you haven’t read before
  20. Read a book from a prompt you did not get to from Quarter 1

 

 

Recommended Titles for Quarter 2

Check out this great video from Literary Cleveland for tons of Q2 book recommendations!

 

This is list is under construction. And, any list we make will only scratch the surface of possible titles! Check back for more recommendations - from Loganberry, and from Broaden Your Bookshelf participants - added regularly. (And be sure to log your reading so we can add your recommendations to the list.)

Many of these titles are available in store (come in or give us a call at 216-950-9800) or on our online store -- we've tried to link to books available in the online store below. If we don't have it in stock, you can it shipped direct from our affiliate Bookshop.org storefront (or get an ebook or audiobook version from our affiliates, instead!) 

  1. Read a Mystery Book
  2. Read a Nature Book - Nature & Gardening books are on sale - 20% off - the whole month of May. (In store only.)
  3. Read a book featuring multiple languages
  4. Read a book with a prominent cat character
  5. Read a book set in a bookstore
  6. Read a book with plants or flowers on the cover or in the title
  7. Read a poetry collection
  8. Read a book by your favorite author you haven’t read before
    • If your favorite author is Colson Whitehead, have you read John Henry Days?
    • If your favorite author is Anne Tyler, did you know she has a new book out? French Braid
    • If your favorite author is NK Jemison, have you read Far Sector?
  9. Read a book with or recommended by your parent
  10. Read a book that has a map
    • Truly Devious - Maureen Johnson
    • Winnie-the-Pooh - A.A. Milne
    • Tolkien, Sanderson, Bradley; almost any fantasy!
  11. Read a book with time travel or anachronisms
  12. Read a book with a medieval setting
  13. Read an Alt-History book
  14. Read a book with characters who are performers
  15. Read a Bookseller’s recommendation
  16. Read a childhood favorite
  17. Read a book with “Spring” elements on the cover or in the title
    • A Hundred White Daffodils - Jane Kenyon
    • Salute to Spring - Meridel Le Sueur
    • Sonoran Desert Spring - John Alcock
  18. Read a book set in Africa or South America
  19. Read a book from an author you haven’t read before
  20. Read a book from a prompt you did not get to from Quarter 1

 

Q3 Prompts

1.

Read an Anisfeld-Wolf Book Award Winner

2.

Read a book by a local author (Author Alley is in August!)

3.

Read a book that has to do with books or libraries

4.

Read a book set at a school

5.

Read a History book

6.

Read an Americana book

7.

Read the book that has been on your TBR the longest

8.

Read a book related to current events

9.

Read a book related to water

10.

Read a beach read

11.

Read a book with trees in the title or on the cover

12.

Read a book set in the Southern Hemisphere (where it is winter now)

13.

Read a book no one would ever expect YOU to pick up

14.

Read a book about travel or exploration

15.

Read a book with berries or fruit on the cover

16.

Read a non-traditional Western

17.

Buddy Read! Read a book with someone

18.

Read a Science Fiction book

19.

Read a book with multiple POV

20.

Read a book from a prompt you didn't get to in Quarter 1 or Quarter 2

 

 

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