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Reading Recommendations

What We’re Reading – December

Are you looking for your next great read? We can help! Visit us in person, explore reading recommendations online, join an in-person or online book discussion, get recommendations on Facebook, tune in to our televised book club segments, and more. Get started here!

Sunday Nights on Facebook
Join us on Sunday nights at 8:30pm on Facebook for Currently Reading. Enjoy this hour during which book enthusiasts share favorite books and offer suggestion about what to read next. Find out about the books that have everyone talking.

Wednesday Mornings – Indy Now Book Club
The Library helps host a ‘book club’ on the Indy Now Morning Show with Ryan and Jillian on Fox59. Tune in at 10 a.m. every other Wednesday. Catch book recommendations and IndyPL program highlights from your own local librarians. Re-watch segments you have missed and see book lists of the books mentioned in each segment.

In-Person & Online Book Discussions
Do you love talking about books? Join one of our book discussions or book clubs available both in-person and online.

Online Reading Recommendations
NovelList and NovelList K-8 are online services that offer reading recommendations. Browse both fiction and nonfiction, read-alike suggestions, series information, reviews, and lists of recommended and award-winning books for adults, teens and kids. Learn how to start on this video tutorial. Also try Book Connections which includes a “find the right book for you” feature.

Would you prefer one-on-one help? Call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text, or email ask-a- librarian.

Make a selection from one of the book lists below created by our staff of avid readers. You can also follow our staff’s most recently published lists on the library catalog home page. Don’t miss our If You Like… suggestions that cover all the favorite genres like science fiction, graphic novels, romance, and more. Finally, don’t miss What We’re Reading Teens and What We’re Reading Kids.

2024 Staff Picks

Explore our 2024 Staff Picks for adults, teens, and kids. Find the perfect audiobook to accompany your morning walk, or choose a movie to enjoy on a cozy winter afternoon. Additionally, browse through our recommendations for holiday gift ideas that will delight your favorite readers!

Listen with Liz – December 2024

I love nonfiction audiobooks. This is a totally random list of titles I listened to in November 2024. Titles are listed in alphabetical order.

Title - Be Ready When the Luck HappensTitle - The Art of PowerTitle - The Black WidowTitle - Gather Me

Cozy Science Fiction and Fantasy

January 12th is Hot Tea Day! Celebrate with a science fiction or fantasy novel with a “cozy feeling”. Less (but not always no) saving the world, more sipping tea in the Shire. The vibe is light, the endings are happy, and and if violence occurs it’s rarely graphic and the romance is often sweet.

Title - The SpellshopTitle - A Psalm for the Wild-builtTitle - The Lost StoryTitle - Legends & Lattes

Light Reads to Combat Early Sunsets

The nights are getting longer so here are some books to lighten up your mood.

Title - How to Age DisgracefullyTitle - The Prophet and the IdiotTitle - Single Dads ClubTitle - Assistant to the Villain

Holly Jolly History

Have you ever paused, mid-carol, and wondered “Why would someone give their beloved So Many Birds?!?” Does the presence of eggnog at family gatherings both intrigue and confuse you? Do you fear – but long to befriend – the Yule Cat? Take a factual and fun journey into the merry and sometimes macabre origins of Christmas traditions!

Title - Christmas PastTitle - Why We Kiss Under the MistletoeTitle - Inventing the Christmas TreeTitle - Christmas

Underdog Stories

When things are tough, an underdog story is a great way to feel inspired to keep going. Here are some underdog stories to enjoy on Underdog Day, Friday, December 20, 2024.

Title - Into Unknown SkiesTitle - The Boys of RiversideTitle - UnderdawgsTitle - The Watermen

This Year in Books

2024… Wow. What a year! Let us look back together on it with some titles directly or indirectly related to the many happenings of this calendar year. Here’s to 2025!

Title - I Think YouTitle - AI Snake OilTitle - Caitlin ClarkTitle - Taylor Swift

STEM or STEAM?

National and Federal scientific organizations promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning to improve the national share of workers employed in related fields. Librarians, and some educators, argue that art is not only as important in its own right, but also a vital part of STEM education programs and workforce fields. The materials below prove that A(rt) belongs in STEM.

Title - Cosmic MotorsTitle - Medieval RobotsTitle - Deep AffinitiesTitle - Design of Straw Bale Buildings

Eat Like an Athlete

Whether you are running marathons or smashing it on the pickleball court, nutrition should be part of your game plan. Check out some of these titles to help you fuel for your next competition.

Title - The Cycling Chef on the GoTitle - SPRING Forward for GirlsTitle - Eat Like A LegendTitle - EAT TO WIN

Exploring the World of the Saxophone

The saxophone, with its unmistakable tone and rich history, has captivated musicians and listeners for generations. Whether you’re a budding saxophonist, a seasoned player, or simply an admirer of its soulful sound, diving into literature about this iconic instrument offers endless inspiration and knowledge. This curated book list highlights essential reads, from biographies of legendary players to technical guides, jazz history, and more. Each selection invites you to deepen your appreciation of the saxophone’s artistry, evolution, and cultural significance.

See our full schedule of 2025 Circulating Concerts at the Library!

Title - Saxophone ColossusTitle - Ornette ColemanTitle - Celebrating BirdTitle - Jazz

Sports Manga & Anime

Manga and anime cover a wide variety of genres, including sports! Even if you aren’t a big sports fan, these titles still have great characters and often page-turning plots! From volleyball and basketball to figure skating, cycling, and competitive card games, there’s a title for just about everyone!

Title - ChihayafuruTitle - Haikyu!Title - KurokoTitle - Medalist

Coffee Table Photography Books: 2024

Immerse yourself in exquisite imagery! These stunning photography books, published in 2024, cover a range of themes, photographic techniques, and time periods.

Title - Tokyo TokyoTitle - Corky LeeTitle - HawaiTitle - Eight Seconds

Culinary Book Club – Cookbooks about the Holidays

There are several holidays that are celebrated in November and December. Take a look at a few of the cookbooks that will help you bring some delicious ways of celebrating with friends and family.

Title - The Friendsgiving CookbookTitle - Vegan Holiday CookbookTitle - Delicious GatheringsTitle - A SWEET YEAR