Our library issues each month over a dozen attractive email newsletters on a variety of genres and reading topics. These range from genres like romance or mystery to more specialized lists. For example, we have a Books to Film newsletter which pairs movies with the books they are based on. There is a Most Requested items at MCLS list as well as an Under the Radar newsletter (which highlights more obscure titles). Are you a nonfiction reader? Email messages with a list of recommendations on such subjects as biographies, home and garden, history and politics as well as many other topics can soon find their way to your inbox. Also, there are multiple lists for children’s titles ranging from picture books to teen novels. And, it couldn’t be simpler. You control which email newsletters you would like to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time or change your choices. To sign up or for more information, access https://monroe.lib.mi.us/books-and-more/recommendations.
Are you like me? Once I’ve read a book I really enjoy, I want to read more titles like it! Novelist Plus and Novelist K-8 Plus are the perfect solution. Novelist is a database made available to you by the state of Michigan and your library. Its essential function is to help you choose what to read next. They cover fiction and nonfiction as well as children’s titles. For example, if you type Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone into Novelist Plus K-8, an entry for the book will appear which contains links for read-alikes, author read-alikes, and series read-alikes. There is a wealth of information in Novelist including reviews, book discussion guides, feature articles and much more! You access these databases through our website at https://monroe.lib.mi.us/research/online-resources. From home, you will have to enter your Michigan driver’s license number or your library card number.
And, of course, when seeking a book recommendation, remember to ask your library’s staff. We are reading all the time and, as I sure you can relate to, love to talk books.