Books and Reading Recommendations

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Websites for this Topic | Research guides and databases

Databases

Databases with the image may be used from outside the Library.
All other databases are available in the Library only.

Granger's World of Poetry Online
An annotated anthology and index, which includes 154,000 poems in full text and even more citations, in addition to features—commentaries, biographies, bibliographies, notes on form, and a glossary.

Literature Resource Center
Search biographical information and critical essays on authors and principal works.

Novelist
Book information includes plot description and reviews. The database is searchable by title, author, plot elements, or series name.

Novelist K-8
With NoveList K-8, you can use your students' favorite books (or the books you use in your classes) to find more books to read and use.

Websites

Bestseller lists
General Sites
Mysteries
Romance
Science fiction and fantasy
Horror
Book Clubs
Other sites of interest

Bestseller lists

General Sites

Morton Grove Public Library Reader's Services Includes a host of recommended book lists ("FictionL Booklists"), links to great Web sites for book lovers, and book discussion guides.
Overbooked This site offers recommendations for both literary and genre fiction. Annotated lists of fiction and mystery titles, hot new releases, links to author pages, publishers, and awards are just some of the features of this site. This is a very comprehensive and informative site for readers of all genres.
What's Next Lists the order of books in adult fiction series. Searches can be made by author, title, or series name.
Book Browser called"The Guide for Avid Readers," this site has over 7,400 book reviews, along with information about forthcoming books, and four different types of reading lists (Series and Sequels; If You Like, Try; Place & Time; and Best of.). Author information and interviews with authors are another feature of the site, which is now part of the Barnes and Noble Web site.
Reader's Robot This site lets you search for books by genre keywords or various "appeal factors." There are about 4,500 books in the database. The site is particularly good for Science Fiction and Fantasy fans, although other genres are represented.
FictionL Booklists Many many lists created by librarians from all over the U.S. via the FictionL listserv (an online discussion group).
Readers Advice Genre Index -- Lists arranged by genres and subgenres.
BookPage.com A monthly general interest book review magazine, BookPage covers the best in new releases.

Mysteries

ClueLass Home Page Online directory of mysteries, new releases, and awards.
Mystery Net's site for mystery books and resources.
The Mystery Reader News and reviews of mystery novels.
Stop, You're Killing Me! is a site for lovers of mystery, suspense, and intrigue books.

Romance

Romantic Times The online version of the popular "Romantic Times Book Club" magazine includes hundreds of romance novel reviews.
All About Romance"The Back-Fence for Lovers of Romance Novels" was created by romance readers for romance readers. Contains author information, book reviews, discussion boards, and more.
The Romance Reader News and reviews of romance novels.
Romance Writers of America (RWA) Provides a variety of information for romance readers: a searchable database of romance novels, information about author appearances, links to authors' Web sites a guide to romance subgenres, and information about the organization's RITA awards.

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Fantastic Fiction Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror fiction by year, series, and author name, and lists of award winners, top 250 authors, and new releases.
SF Site: The Home Page for Science Fiction and Fantasy Features author book lists, interviews with authors, award winners, reviews, and more.
Luna Cat A site dedicated to science fiction and fantasy literature by female authors. Author information and book descriptions are given.
Uchronia: The Alternate History List An annotated bibliography of alternate or alternative history works (also called allohistories, uchronia, counterfeit worlds, counterfactuals, negative histories, etc.)
Sci-Fi Lists
Locus Online
Science Fiction and Fantasy World

Horror Readers

Darkecho News, Book Reviews, Interviews, Links etc.
Horror Writers Association
International Horror Guild awards
Buried.com Fiction reviews, Movie reviews Events etc.
Fears Magazine News Reviews Interviews
Dark Side of the Net Collected Links

Book Clubs

Reading Group Choices Comprehensive site listing guides from a variety of publishers, big and small. The site also has tips for starting and running book discussions.
Penguin Putnam's Reading Group Guides
BookBrowse Reading guides for over 300 books, as well as information and advice for reading groups.
HarperCollins guides.
Random House more guides.

Other Sites of Interest

DearReader.com Join one or more online bookclubs and receive (via email) chapters of books to read each week to help find books you want to read.
Amazon.com online bookstore includes some reviews, links, and award lists.
Barnes and Noble's Web site includes some author interviews, links, and reviews.
All Readers Reviews by readers, one-click plot searches, and advanced searches to find the perfect read in Sci-Fi, Mystery/Thriller, Literature, Romance, History, and Biography genres.
Internet Public Library Literature Reference Great source for information about authors, awards, online texts, writing, and literary criticism.
Oprah's Books information about books seen on the show, Oprah's Book Club, books from O, The Oprah Magazine, and Oprah's favorite books.

Please Note: These pages contain links to non-library sponsored remote services. The Carol Stream Public Library and its employees are not responsible for the content, reliability or availability of these services.