Read Like a Librarian: The Best Books We Have Ever Read

For KDL librarians, books are more than a career—they’re a passion, a refuge and a lifelong love. Every librarian has that one book, the one that sparked their imagination, challenged their thinking or left an indelible mark on their heart. In this post, KDL librarians share the best book they have ever read. Place a hold on one of them (or all of them!) today. 

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
It's the best adult book I ever read and also the heaviest book, dealing with substance abuse, sexual assault, and depression. It's incredibly well-written, and the characters and their friendships are profound and realistic, and so detailed. I think about the main character, Jude, all the time, even years after reading this book, because he was so well-written and real to me. It's a masterpiece, but not for the faint of heart.
-Jenny, East Grand Rapids Branch

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Did it win awards? Probably not. But when I read it the first time, I was completely wowed by it and immediately started reading it again. I've read it, I've listened to it, and I've recommended it to many people. It's a mind-bending tale of a woman who dies and is reborn over and over again. She eventually starts trying to figure out if this process is serving some purpose. It's a book that I wish I could read again for the first time.
-Susan, Plainfield Twp. Branch

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
If you enjoy historical fiction about WWII, combining mystery and romance elements, you must read this book. An uplifting story of perseverance through the horrors of war and the power of books to bring people together, this book will make you appreciate the little things that bring joy to life.
-Amy, Englehardt Branch (Lowell)

The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood
This is probably my favorite book of all time, but it was a VERY HARD CHOICE! This one hit all the marks for me - beautiful, quirky character development, people coming together to deal with loss and grief, and the excitement of a unique little boy who invites everyone in his circle to celebrate what makes them special no matter their age. It is a tear-jerker, but it leaves you feeling very in love with life and the people in it that add meaning to your world.
-Sara, Krause Memorial Branch (Rockford)

House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
It is as terrifying as it is disorienting. Dual narratives tell a deeply hidden story about a drifter destroying his life obsessing over documents found in a dead man's apartment. Contained within is "The Navidson Record," the horrifying account of the Navidson home which, due to some anomaly, is larger on the inside than the outside. The author is widely credited for inventing the "liminal spaces" genre of horror which has made huge waves across the internet horror gaming and creepypasta landscape. This is the only book that I have purchased multiple copies of for the sole purpose of gifting to others.
-Mike, Cascade Twp. Branch

Emily, Alone by Stewart O'Nan
This book gave me such an interesting perspective on life after the hustle and bustle of life slows down. It really opened my eyes and heart to a view I had never considered before.
-Audrey, Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
This is my favorite children's book of all time. It's 1986 and shy, misfit Virgil is bullied by Chet, who plays a prank that lands Virgil at the bottom of a well. Virgil's friends and neighbors launch a rescue mission to find him, and you won't be able to stop turning the pages. Told in alternating perspectives, this nuanced story teaches important life lessons without becoming didactic.
-Jenny, East Grand Rapids Branch