Over the past several months, I’ve had the privilege of helping curate a collection of more than 250 literary jewels that tell America’s story through picture books, biographies, novels, songs, recipes, history, and everything in between. They’ll be on display at this event for visitors to browse, read, discuss, and enjoy—and every single title will be available for check-out after the event for members of the Families United Lending Library.

Friends, 250 years is worth celebrating!

We’ve gathered books for every age and interest. Some are beloved classics while others are hidden gems. Some will make you laugh while others will make you cry. Quite a few will probably end up on your wishlist—sorry, not sorry!

One of my favorite things about this Read-In is that it isn’t meant to be a museum exhibit where you slowly walk by and admire the books from a distance. Pull up a chair. Open them. Read them. Bring your kids. Get lost in a stack.

We’ve worked hard to include a huge variety of voices, artists, subjects, and reading levels. Whether you’re looking for stories about inventors, immigrants, presidents, musicians, abolitionists, pioneers, or ordinary people who lived quiet lives and changed the world anyway, there’s something here for you.

And perhaps the best part: every single title on this list is available through Families United Lending Library. If you are local and discover a treasure, you can join their library and have access to check it out!

In an age when it feels like every everything is doom and gloom, local lending libraries are one of the quiet gifts of a healthy community. If you have one in your area, support it. Use it. Tell your friends about it. If you don’t, perhaps this project will inspire you to dream about what one could look like! (We have a LibRArians FB group where we’d love to help guide you in that pursuit!)

And if you already run a lending library, consider this your permission slip to steal the idea! A Read-In is a wonderful way to introduce families to your collection, celebrate a theme, and help people discover books they might never have picked up on their own.

We’ve also made the complete list available as a free Google document for those not in Ohio because good book lists are meant to travel as widely as Lewis and Clark (even if I think Lewis and Clark are over-represented in children’s books and I’d rather read about Zebulon Pike). My hope is that you’ll discover a new favorite, re-find a title you had forgotten, or stumble across a story you didn’t even know you were looking for that feels like a comforting hug.

Because that’s really what this project is about: not just celebrating 250 years of American history, but celebrating the stories that have helped us remember it.

250—American Unbound Booklist

A Return of the King Book Club

Well, we’ve made it to the last book!

Register Here

Somewhere along the way this little Tolkien experiment turned into one of my favorite things we’ve done here at RA. We’ve had kids making startlingly insightful observations, adults noticing details they somehow missed for twenty years, debates about Boromir, emotional support for facing oversized spiders, grief over trees, and an ongoing appreciation for hobbits insisting on regular meals in the middle of active catastrophe.

So of course we’re going to finish this journey together. Faithful to the end.

This time we begin The Return of the King—a book full of impossible choices, small acts of courage, kings returning, deep weariness, unexpected mercies, and Tolkien somehow making me emotional over things like beacons, seeds, and cast iron.

We’ll continue reading slowly during the week and then meeting Thursdays at 7:30 CST to discuss together.

📖 The Return of the King
⏰ Thursdays at 7:30 CST
💬 Discussions last about an hour
💵 $10 per household
(Free for current RA financial supporters)

Whether you’ve been with us since Bag End or want to jump in now, you’re very welcome!

Come finish the story with us.❤️

Register Here

Subscribe now

Share

Every year I make a book list, and usually I ask the group to help choose the theme — it’s often just collections of favorites I’ve already read around a certain topic. These annual lists have also become one of the ways our community gets to know me a little better, which I honestly love. This year I let Charlesa choose the theme, and she suggested: “Books I would want to receive as a gift.” Ufda. That turned out to be a surprisingly interesting prompt for me, because very, very few people ever gift me books for fear of buying something already on my shelf, and I don’t think anyone has ever actually asked what books would be on my dream list.

Here’s the funny thing, duplicate books have genuinely never bothered me. One of my love languages is written messages. I have all the cards RA members have ever sent me pinned up on my kitchen wall, and I’ve saved every card with a personal note that’s been given to me since I was a child and mercifully, that box escaped our house fire. If someone gifted me a book with a note inside about why they chose it, what it meant to them, or what they hoped it would mean to me, that book would immediately become the EOEV copy: Edition of Exceptional Value. So personalize those books, and don’t be afraid of giving someone a duplicate!

Also, in a truly fitting development, I found out today that after a lifetime of reading, my future apparently includes bifocals as soon as I can pick frames. So here we go below: from the mixed-up files of Ambre’s book desires — my wishlist.

And because these yearly lists have also become one of the ways this community gets to know me a little better, I like to include a current photo every year so I’m not just the (wo)man behind the curtain of the interwebs. So here it is: ten inches less hair than last year, and yes, I can still do a top knot — it’s just a much sadder one — and I have a lot more natural tinsel showing up.

The Littlest Yak series by Lu Fraser and Kate Hindley—
I’ve read all of these as they’ve released and they just hit my funny bone in the most delightful way. I would read these again even without my kids. They belong on the shelf by our Helen Yoon collection.

Dive, Dive into the Night Sea by Thea Lu—
I am trying to add a few classic horror picture books to my shelf and this one would be in good company next to P.J. Lynch’s The Haunted Lake. How are these books similar? They both creep me out. P.J. with his ghost story and Dive because no matter how atmospheric the illustrations are, the idea of being under the ocean in the dark is blood curdling to me.

Grass by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim—
I am slowly building a visual timeline of history with picture books and graphic novels, and this one, while gut-wrenching, was also beautifully and tastefully done. Grass is about the Korean “comfort women” forced to serve the Japanese Imperial Army, and their lives before, during, and after WWII. I wouldn’t have believed you if you’d told me there was an illustrated book about sex slavery that I would feel comfortable handing to my 16-year-old, but here it is.

We Are Not Strangers: A Graphic Novel by Josh Tuininga—
This book about the Japanese internment of Californians, and the Jewish man who saw it coming and prepared, is one that got in my bones. I’m not kidding when I say that every time I go to the library, I pull it off the shelf and find someone to recommend it to. It deserves a place on everyone’s shelf, and I don’t say that about many books.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins; illustrated by Nico Delort—
I am so glad that I read as many of Plutarch’s Lives with my teens as we did before reading this series. I’m not generally a sucker for special editions but these are spectacular and I can’t wait for this final one to release in October.

And David Perceived He Was King: Identity - the Key to Your Destiny by Dale L. Mast—
I’m currently listening to this on audio and taking so many notes that I need — but would struggle to justify buying, because I’m like that — a copy to highlight. Here are a few quotes I’m chewing on:

“Faith is believing what God can do. Identity is believing what God can do through you.”

“Can we trust him without the answers? Yes. Because the answer is not peace. HE is peace.”

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy; illustrated by Emma Kate—
This illustrator I follow on IG is working on an illustrated edition of this classic and I am here for it! Did you know the Scarlet Pimpernel was the first masked hero? This will make a great gift for all the superhero lovers on your list.

Cry, Heart, But Never Break by Glenn Ringtved—
This is one of my most gifted books on death and dying, and I gave away my own copy and really need to replace it. This one is especially good for people who have the opportunity to say goodbye but are struggling to do so.

Duck, Death and the Tulip by Wolf Erlbruch—
This German picture book on death and dying is an absolutely beautiful conversation and experience between a duck and Death. I’ve only read it on a screen, and I need to cry with it in my hands. It is what it is.

Winnie-the-Pooh: The Graphic Novel by Kevan Chandler and Joe Sutphin (and colorist, our friend Joe Hox!)—
I would only consider a Winnie-the-Pooh graphic novel from a small handful of people, and magically, these are three of them! It’s going to be amazing!

The Unknown Ajax + The Talisman Ring by Georgette Heyer—
I’ve had Heyer recommended to me for years and kept putting her off to no one’s loss but my own! Gemma (16) and I fell in love with the storytelling and humor in The Talisman Ring together — plus, it’s a mystery! Then I went and devoured The Unknown Ajax by myself and discovered one of my favorite chapters in a book ever. So now I want to own it so I can read that chapter again and again. Honestly, this is the year I listen straight through her collection of titles.

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo—
This is also the year I plan to finally read Les Mis (with my ears), and I will, obviously, need a beautiful leather collector’s edition to mark the occasion. My best friend introduced me to David Bryant’s rendition of “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables,” and I feel fully primed for this experience.

The Light That Shines Forever: The True Story and Remarkable Rescue of 669 Children on the Eve of World War II by David Warner—
I always have shelf space for stories about the Righteous Among the Nations and babies being saved. Always. I love seeing the hope on that shelf grow.

Are Women Human? Penetrating, Sensible, and Witty Essays on the Role of Women in Society by Dorothy L. Sayers—
On the one hand, I am perpetually annoyed that this isn’t available on audio, so I can’t just take a walk with Dorothy. But, on the other hand, I will probably end up wanting to underline and write notes all over it, so I should just buy it and read it with my teens already. I’d also love to gift it to a group of friends and read it together.

The Divine Comedy: Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso by Dante translated by Longfellow
This is one of my bucket-list books from last year’s list, and I think it would increase the likelihood of me getting to it sooner rather than later if I had it in hand. I still can’t get the idea of the gate out of my head from the little I’ve read and check out the gate being on this cover!!!

1 Enoch: A Contextual Study Guide of Scripture by Sean Griffin—
I’m generally pretty laid-back about the cost of books, being of the “we don’t deserve to read everything we want to” and “people can price their books however they want” persuasion, but I really, really want this one to go on sale someday so I can justify the price to myself — or for someone to put me out of my misery and gift it to me.

The Saviour of the World series by Charlotte Mason—
These have been on my wish list for years, as Charlotte is one of the wise women whose feet I love to sit at. I am so excited that Living Book Press has brought them back into print for everyone! I would absolutely love to unwrap these someday and finally have them on my own shelves.

The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds by John Muir Laws— I asked you for books on how to draw owls for Knightley, and this was your recommendation! Now I just need to prioritize it — or wait for October and gift it to my kiddo.

Zorro Gets an Outfit by Carter Goodrich— I adore dogs in over-the-top outfits, but I often find myself wondering if they’re enjoying it as much as we enjoy them in them. I love how we get to explore this through Zorro.

The Agapéd Bearer: Wishing Stars by Hannah Lindsey—For some reason, I have a much easier time collecting fantasy for my kids than for myself... I should probably discuss this with my therapist. I really, really want to read this whole series. My gut says it would heal something in me. I just need the whole thing to magically land in my lap with a box of Kleenex so I can disappear into it for a long weekend.

The Tree on the Road to Turntown by Glenn O. Blough— I’m still hoping this one comes back into print. I love “seasons of life” stories. This is my favorite Blough book, and I’m a Blough fan. In my dreams, I find a pristine copy of this one. That would be enough of a gift.

I See You: A Story for Kids About Homelessness and Being Unhoused by Michael Genhart— I try to have picture books on as many real-life topics as I can, and this is such a beautiful one about a boy refusing to turn a blind eye to the needs of those around him. I struggle to buy books my public library already has, but if they’re there, they’re not here — and we aren’t reading them over and over, letting them become a piece of us.

Jonathan and Martha by Petr Horáček— I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: this story is a violently disturbing romance, but it makes me guffaw due to how unexpected it is.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens— I love the Deluxe Painted Editions from Harper. This book is source material for my favorite Christmas movie— Love at the Christmas Table, so it’s the next classic I’d love to see added to my shelves.

Always There is God by Robbie Trent— I’ve really enjoyed all of Trent’s books that I’ve read on Archive, but this one isn’t there, and after stalking all the sample pages available for sale over the past two years, I’ve determined that I really, really want this one.

Believe In the World: Wisdom for Grown-Ups from Children’s Books by Amy Gash—
It’s been years since I’ve added a quotes book to my collection, but I love them dearly. This one has been on my wishlist since it was released.

The Inheritance Series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes Juniper Books Set—
I’m a sucker for really pretty books, and I’ve been drooling over Jupiter Books for, what, 10 years now? A girl can dream…

The Illustrations of Gustave Doré: Including Paradise Lost, The Divine Comedy and The Bible (Arcturus Epic Classics) by George Davidson
I am obsessed with Doré’s illustrations. This book has no chance of being anything but amazing and breathtaking.

The Annotated Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
We ALL know how I feel about Wuthering Heights, and I do not own a copy because: ghost story. Shudder. BUT I need to read it with my girls for its literary merits, and this annotated edition looks like the kind that would give me entirely new things to notice and consider before we reach the end and I ceremonially stick it in the freezer so I can sleep... as one does.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Propaganda Editions
I am a huge fan of The Hunger Games and how brilliantly the stories intertwine, all while ripping my heart out and stomping on it. These editions aren’t available anymore, so I’d be ecstatic to acquire a set someday.

Share

To celebrate, they’re offering 20% off books and 50% off audiobooks now through Tuesday, April 7th, which is a wonderful opportunity if you’ve had any of these on your list!

Anthony has so many wonderful books in his catalog — including the Charlotte Mason series and, my other personal favorite, The Book of Marvels — so if you’re browsing the sale, those are well worth a look too.

Our titles you might especially enjoy (these were all published with Reshelving Alexandria readers in mind!):

Nellie Bly: America’s Best Reporter — This is our expanded edition, which includes her original articles in full. It makes an especially great discussion book for teens because you’re not just reading about her — you’re reading her actual writing and stepping into human rights and women’s rights in the world she was reporting on.

Once On a Time — Truly one of the most delightful read-aloud books for all ages! If you want a book that feels like storytime used to feel, this is the one.

Northanger Abbey — A classic, but this edition was designed especially with teen readers in mind, including a dyslexia-friendly font to make Austen more approachable and enjoyable for more readers.

The Master of Tides — A teen fantasy (with more books coming!) for readers who love adventure, courage, and a good found family.
“The Master of Tides pulls readers into an immersive world, full of danger and magic, friendship and sacrifice, all painted in the detailed strokes you’d expect from the pen of an artist.” -Carolyn Leiloglou, author of The Restorationists series

If you pick anything up during the sale, I’d love to hear what you choose!

Subscribe now

A Two Towers Book Club

I’m so excited to invite you to continue the journey with us as we begin J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Two Towers.

Reading The Fellowship of the Ring together was genuinely one of the highlights of my winter. We had thoughtful conversations, wonderful insights from both kids and adults, and I think many of us were surprised by just how much there was to notice when we slowed down and read Tolkien in community instead of rushing through the story.

So we’re going to keep going!

Register Here

This spring, we’ll be reading The Two Towers the same way—slowly, thoughtfully, and together. You’ll read on your own during the week, and then we’ll meet on Thursday nights at 7:30 CST to talk through what we’ve read. Discussions typically last about an hour and are open to both returning readers and anyone who wants to jump in and join us for this next leg of the journey.

You do not have to have read Book One with us to join. There’s plenty of room at the table for new faces!

Details at a glance:

📖 The Two Towers
🗓 April 2 – May 14 (7 weeks)
⏰ Thursdays at 7:30 CST
💬 Discussions last ~1 hour
💵 $10 per household for the full 7 weeks
(Free for those who already financially support RA)

Register Here!

The Two Towers is where the story deepens and darkens a bit. The Fellowship is broken, the road is uncertain, and everyone has to decide what kind of person they’re going to be when things are hard and no one is watching. There is a lot to talk about in this book—friendship, loyalty, leadership, despair, hope, and what it means to keep going when you can’t see the ending yet.

Whether you read The Fellowship of the Ring with us or are just now thinking about joining, you are very welcome.

Grab your copy, find your place on the road, and let’s keep walking…

You don’t have to carry the ring alone.

This book would be perfect for any kids interested in stop-motion filmmaking or early animation. After reading this beautifully illustrated biography, I immediately pulled up The Ornament of the Loving Heart, one her early four-minute films on YouTube to watch with my teens. It turned into a delightful little rabbit trail!

It also reminded me of another paper-cutting favorite—Appolonia’s Valentine by Katherine Milhous—which is on our Valentine’s Day book list and available to read online on Internet Archive.

Do you have any other paper-cutting books to recommend? Drop them in the comments if you do!

Book details:
Cut!: How Lotte Reiniger and a Pair of Scissors Revolutionized Animation by C. E. Winters and Matt Schu

Appolonia’s Valentine by Katherine Milhous

Find more books to love in our free Literary Catalogue!

Share

These thoughts have been close to my heart for the past four years. I shared them with our Fellowship of the Ring book club tonight, and wanted to offer them here too. I hope they’re a blessing.

When Frodo prepares to leave the Shire, the others do not argue him out of it or try to take the Ring from him. They simply refuse to let him go alone: a choice echoing one of the oldest vows of faithfulness we have.

Ruth’s words to Naomi—“Where you go, I will go”—are not sentimental, though they are often treated as such at weddings. They are practical, costly, and irreversible. Ruth leaves her people, her gods, and everything she has known. She embraces an uncertain future alongside an elderly widow, with no promise of safety, security, or reward. And crucially, she does not take over Naomi’s grief or destiny; she simply binds herself to it.

That is exactly what Sam, Merry, and Pippin mirror (and, in his own way, Fatty). They do not claim Frodo’s burden as their own; the Ring remains his. But they refuse the lie Frodo has told himself—that the burden must be carried alone.

One of the quietest but clearest signs of this is the detail that they pack clothes for winter. It says: we are not coming along only for the exciting part. We are coming for the hard part, and a future we cannot yet see. This is not adventure—it is covenant.

The hobbits have been quietly watchful for months, making sure Frodo doesn’t slip away without them. What they’re practicing isn’t surveillance; it’s vigil. They don’t watch him because they distrust him; they watch because they know how pressure works—how easily love can convince someone they’re better off alone. So here, for them, love looks like staying awake and keeping your eyes on a slippery friend.

Frodo never asks them. They choose him.

When my eldest was a colicky baby, we had a mantra for her care: “She can cry, but she can’t cry alone.” We couldn’t fix her pain or stop her misery. We couldn’t even soothe it away, but we could remain calm and stay. And that faithful presence, we learned, was not nothing.

That is the kind of presence I see reflected in these dear hobbits: unheroic and steadfast. It is the first true power Tolkien shows us—not domination, not physical strength, not even courage, but companionship freely chosen.

Where you go I’ll go. These are not light words. Tolkien, through these hobbits, will show us what such words truly weigh.

Eta: When I first made the connection four years ago, I talked about it to anyone who would listen—and I sobbed every time.

We had just had our house fire. In the middle of it, I texted a childhood friend I’d only seen at weddings and funerals for the last fifteen years and asked him to pray as we navigated everything. He texted back and asked me what I needed more: money, or boots on the ground.

Because we’d just had the derecho in our town, everyone was dealing with disasters and there was no help to hire. So I told him, “boots on the ground.” That weekend, he showed up with ten people—and brought along two more of my childhood friends just to encourage me. And when I say childhood friends, I mean I’ve known these guys since I was five. They are brothers of my heart.

At the same time, my personal life was deeply disorienting. I truly felt the Lord used them to show me I wasn’t alone—that He would care for me, and that He had also given me living, breathing people who cared for me too.

Then I reread The Fellowship of the Ring, and it was right there on the page: people choosing what is right over what is easy, because of love. People refusing to let others walk their journeys alone. I’m pretty sure it’s my favorite chapter in the whole series now.

A Fellowship of the Ring Book Club

I’m thrilled to invite you to our next book club journey: J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring.

Register Now!

This winter, we’ll be reading Tolkien the way he’s meant to be read—slowly, thoughtfully, and in community. We’ll read on our own during the week and then gather on Thursday nights at 7:30 CST to talk through what we’ve read together. Discussions typically last about an hour and are open to seasoned Tolkien lovers and first-time Middle-earth travelers alike.

Details at a glance:

• 📖 The Fellowship of the Ring

• 🗓 January 22 – March 12 (8 weeks)

• ⏰ Thursdays at 7:30 CST

• 💬 Discussions last ~1 hour

• 💵 $10 per household for the full 8 weeks
  (Free for those who already financially support RA)

This is not a speed run to Mordor. We’ll linger with the text—its friendships, its songs, its quiet acts of courage, and its deep moral imagination. Tolkien has so much to say about loyalty, temptation, hospitality, and hope, and I can’t wait to explore it together.

And yes, I am very excited to talk about how Tolkien somehow managed to write my favorite Ruth and Naomi fan fiction of all time—if you know, you know, and if you don’t, you soon will!

Whether you’re joining with family, friends, or on your own, you’re welcome at the table. Grab your copy, settle into the Shire, and let’s begin the walk together.

You don’t have to carry the ring alone.

Register Now

Share

Court is officially in session.

The 2026 Reshelving Alexandria Reading Challenges are underway, and all are welcome in the royal reading court.

Challenges Here!

This year’s theme, Our Better Angels, invites us to read stories that remind us who we are at our best—stories of hope, humanity, forgiveness, and love for our families, neighbors, and communities.

To make sure every reader has a place at the table, we’ve created five full reading challenges:

• A 12-book challenge for light or returning readers

• A 52-book challenge for ambitious readers

• A Family Read-Aloud challenge

• A Children’s challenge

• A Teen challenge

Whether you read alone or together, on paper, on a screen, or with your ears, and whether you track your progress on the back of an old receipt or with a color-coded cross-referenced spreadsheet (you know who you are), there’s a challenge designed just for you!

Choose your challenge, print it out—or open our provided spreadsheet—and begin filling it in. There’s no rush, no pressure, and no wrong way to read here.

Our Facebook group currently has posts going for all 96 individual category prompts, if you’re looking for recommendations. My own list keeps growing—the suggestions are so good!

Court is open, the shelves are full, and the year of reading awaits.
Come read with us. 💛

Challenges Here!

As we begin, let us take a quick roll call of the royal reading court! 👑

Did you read with us last year and complete a challenge?
Here’s a shareable graphic to show off your accomplishment—and invite your friends to join the royal reading court this year!

Subscribe now

It’s time to kick off our most-anticipated event of the year—the Reshelving Alexandria Reading Challenges! 🎉🎉🎉

This year’s theme is Our Better Angels, and we’ve created five unique full challenges to inspire readers of all ages:

This year, two quotes have deeply moved me—they’ve dug their hooks into my heart, and I just can’t seem to shake them. The first is from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, which reminds us of the greater purpose in our lives: “Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!” Dickens’ words bring me to tears and challenge me to make sure my priorities are right.

The second quote (which I searched out after hearing a few words from it in a West Wing episode) comes from Abraham Lincoln’s first Inaugural Address, which speaks to the power of unity and love in even the most divided times: “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”

These words have inspired me to shape this year’s reading challenge around something dear to my heart—hope and humanity. The Our Better Angels Challenge will encourage us to read books that explore the depth of our shared experiences, enlarge our empathy, and help us grow in love for our families, neighbors, and communities. Let’s read this year with the hope of becoming more loving, compassionate, kind, and quick to forgive on this, our journey together.

Share

Ready to dive into our 2026 Reading Challenge? Check out our handy printables to keep you organized and motivated all year long! Whether you’re tackling one category or the whole challenge, our How To guide will walk you through how to make the most of these resources- so make sure to click over to it if you missed it!

Let’s get started with the next step—seeing the full challenges, printing them off, and starting to fill them in!

Your next great year of reading is waiting!

Full Printable Sets:

All of the Reading Challenge category lists are in these downloads below (other downloads are towards the bottom of the page):

2026 Reading Challenge All Lists Full Color Reshelving Alexandria

6.37MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

2026 Reading Challenge All Lists Ink Saving Reshelving Alexandria

1.43MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

2026 Reading Challenge All Spreadsheets Reshelving Alexandria

2.06MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

The Challenges Themselves:

(click on any image to expand)

✨12 Books

Welcome to the 12-Book Our Better Angels Reading Challenge! If you’ve been feeling like life has been a bit too busy to keep up with reading, this is the perfect way to ease back in.

Whether it’s school, work, or just the general hustle, we all know how easy it is to fall out of the reading habit. But if you’re ready to reconnect with books in a way that feels manageable (and meaningful!), this challenge is for you.

This year, with our focus on hope and humanity, the books in this challenge will explore forgiveness, mercy, unexpected friendships, and all the little ways love makes the world better. Whether you’re rediscovering a favorite or picking up something new, these stories will inspire and grow your heart.

And hey, we’re not Goodreads—feel free to re-read a favorite and count it every time. Reading should be joyful, not stressful!

Let’s take this journey together!

✨52 Books

Ready to go all in? Welcome to the 52-Book Reading Challenge! This one’s for those who are eager to dive deep into a year of reading, with 40 additional categories added to the 12 from our Basic Reading Challenge.

Don’t worry, this challenge isn’t just for adults—kids as young as 5 have taken it on and loved it! If the thought of 52 books feels a bit overwhelming, consider making it a family adventure. You can split up the categories among family members and tackle it together, each person contributing their own unique picks. It’s a wonderful way to bond and explore stories while making the load lighter for everyone.

This year’s theme is all about celebrating relationships, heritage, and the connections that shape who we are. Whether you’re reading solo or as a family, this challenge will help you discover new perspectives and deepen your love for books.

And don’t forget—mix in adult books, kids’ books, or even picture books! You’ll be amazed at the joy and depth a beautifully illustrated book can add to the experience.

So, take the leap—this is your year to read big! 🌟 Click on the images for a closer look.

✨Family Read-Aloud

The Family Read-Aloud Challenge is one of my absolute favorites, and this year’s theme makes it even more meaningful. There’s something special about gathering your loved ones and sharing stories together—whether it’s reading aloud by the fire, listening to audiobooks on a road trip, or sharing cozy chapters at bedtime. The goal is simple: to create a shared storybook of memories, adding tales to your family’s collective language that inspire closeness, spark conversation, and provide a foundation of hope and truth as you face life’s challenges ahead.

Are you a college student with roommates? Why not invite them to join in on the fun? You might be surprised how quickly they’ll get hooked on the magic of a good story shared together.

Stories have a unique way of connecting us, building a sense of unity, and giving us common ground to stand on. Start building your family’s literary legacy today!

✨Children’s Challenge

Our Children’s Reading Challenge this year is an even dozen of categories, designed to inspire courage, teamwork, and self-reflection. These stories encourage kids to step into the shoes of others, face challenges with bravery, and grow through their experiences. As they explore the emotional dynamics of different families, they’ll also learn valuable lessons about resilience, working together, and understanding themselves and others better.

We’ve also added three bonus categories, which can be used as alternates or for kids who want to take on more than the original 12. Whether your child enjoys heartwarming stories, thrilling adventures, or moments of personal growth, this challenge is the perfect opportunity to build empathy and grow through reading.

I’m excited to hear about the stories your kids loved the most and the new strengths they discovered along the way!

✨Teen Challenge

Our 20-Book Teen Reading Challenge is perfect for readers who are ready to dive into new literary adventures—and for those of you who have joined us in the past, it’s a chance to keep the momentum going and challenge yourself even more this year!

Whether you’re a returning teen who loved this challenge before or you’re looking for the sweet spot between the 12-Book and 52-Book Challenges, this is your chance to keep growing as a reader. And why not make it even more fun? Challenge a friend or two to join you on the adventure! The more, the merrier.

If you’re an adult looking for a middle ground between the 12-Book and 52-Book Challenges, or if you’re just seeking a fun bonus summer challenge, this is a perfect option for you, too!

End-of-Year Visual Challenge Completion Templates:

Picture this: an eye candy experience that complements your reading journey perfectly, allowing you to fill in the blanks as you go that you can refer back to in the future or share on socials! Our end-of-year visual challenges, shown above, are designed to enhance your reading experience, making it even more captivating and memorable. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to add an extra layer of excitement to your reading escapades! Click one of the links below to access the visual challenges and embark on a visual journey that mirrors the richness of the stories you’re discovering!

If you share your completed image or progress on social media, please tag us so we can celebrate with you! #RAReadingChallenges2026

Join us on FB in our Reshelving Alexandria Reads group to see other people’s finished challenges and to get encouragement and recommendations throughout the year!

ETA: You can now track the 52 book challenge on StoryGraph!

Printable contains ALL challenges:

2026 All Reading Challenge Graphics Reshelving Alexandria

4.23MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Annual Daily Reader Trackers, Quote Sheets, and a Map:

2026 Reading Challenge Extras Reshelving Alexandria

1.42MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

For Non-RAConsortium Members:
Want to be part of something bigger and gain access to all the exciting perks? Join the RA Consortium today and get exclusive access to our Subscriber Chat, book challenge check-ins, free book clubs, and so much more! It’s the perfect way to take your reading challenge to the next level—don’t miss out!

For Current Members:
YAY! You’re already part of the RA Consortium, and that means you have access to the Subscriber Chat and all the tools you need to make this year one for the books!

*Being part of this community means more than just getting access to resources—it’s about building connections, finding encouragement, and having a blast with our reading challenges and book clubs all year long.*

Love the challenge? Leave a tip!

Subscribe now

Be sure to check out our Literary Catalogue for some book recommendations!

Looking for a warm, literary way to celebrate the season? We’re hosting a special read-aloud of Dorothy L. Sayers’ one-act play, He That Should Come: A Nativity Play in One Act — and you’re invited!

When: 7:30 PM Central Standard Time
Dates: December 9th & 16th
Where: Online (link provided via e-mail after registration)

This is a live read-aloud, so bring your voice and join us as we step into this classic, thoughtful take on the Nativity story. No preparation is required — just come ready to read, listen, and enjoy.

Speaking spots are limited, so register now to save your place! And don’t forget to share this with a friend — reading aloud is always better together.

🔗 Register Here

Let’s bring Dorothy Sayers’ words to life this holiday season — we can’t wait to read with you!

Whether you can join us or not—feel free to join us in reading it this month here for free.

‘Tis also the time of year for the Living Book Press EBook Bundle!

141 titles are 95% off for December only! Check it out now!

Subscribe now

The holiday season is here, and we’re gathering everything into one cozy spot!

From Christmas and Hanukkah book lists to podcast episodes that capture the spirit of the season—and even a special guest Advent post—this is your one-stop spot for all our holiday resources.

Click each graphic to unwrap a little holiday goodness and add an extra twinkle to your season.

Wishing you and your family a joyful season filled with warmth, wonder, and sweet moments together.

Christmas Lists:

Christmas Podcasts:

Christmas Stories with Nancy Kelly

Michael J. Tinker’s Music and Mission

Hanukkah Book Lists:

Guest Post:

A Little Treat:

Help us add some more magic to your season:

What festive theme should we create next that would add joy to your holiday moments?
Are there any Christmas books you think we should add to our lists? We’d love to hear your favorites!

I am so excited to share our newest release: Nellie Bly: America’s Best Reporter by Iris Noble — newly edited by me (Ambre) and beautifully illustrated by the incredibly gifted Spanish artist Nerea Fernández Álvarez, who loves Nellie every bit as much as I do. As with all our editions, we’ve used a dyslexia-friendly font.

Sheila asked a great question on Facebook: Who was Nellie Bly?
Here’s the quick version answer, plus why her life still matters today:

Nellie Bly was an investigative reporter in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and she was absolutely fearless. She traveled around the world in under 80 days—alone, as a woman—in response to Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days. She went undercover in an insane asylum for ten days, and her exposé finally pushed the government to meaningfully regulate those institutions. She uncovered crooked lobbyists in New York and even testified against them. And she had this wonderfully playful streak too—like learning to be a ballerina just so she could write about it, and deciding the tights and short skirts weren’t nearly as scandalous as people claimed.

I read Iris Noble’s book as a teenager and immediately fell in love with Nellie. When I prepared this edition, I wanted readers to see more of the real woman behind the storytelling. So I added full-length Nellie Bly articles at the end of each chapter — each one chosen to pair with the themes or events you’ve just read. The original book is a fictionalized biography, which means it tells a true life story while gently shaping the narrative so it reads smoothly — small timeline adjustments, added dialogue, and the occasional invented moment that reflects something Nellie truly did or experienced, without changing the real arc of her life. In editing this edition, there were a couple places where I adjusted the text back toward historical fact, and I also corrected quite a few typos from the original publication. And in just one or two spots, I updated outdated language referring to people from other cultures (for example, changing “a Japanese” to “a Japanese reporter”).

Why does Nellie matter today?
Honestly, because her stories read like Ecclesiastes—there really is nothing new under the sun. The issues she tackled in her reporting… well, we’re still wrestling with so many of them now. Reading her work feels both timely and timeless. I believe this is a book worth owning if only to read through Nellie’s interview with Susan B. Anthony together with your teens—or just on your own. I can’t get it out of my head.

As for age recommendations: in our home, we’re doing 15+ for independent readers. The book touches—gently—on a few heavy topics, including human trafficking in the article “Nellie Bly Buys a Baby” (yes, she truly did), a scene where a man tries to drug her drink with the clear implication that young unaccompanied women were being trafficked through the park, and of course the trauma of her ten days in the asylum. Iris writes boldly but never gratuitously, and the style reflects the gripping, emotional tone of journalism from that era. You won’t be able to put this one down.

If you’re studying the Gilded Age, Progressive Era, early labor issues, women’s rights, or the lead-up to World War I, this book is a perfect fit for your shelves.

And finally:
Today is the last day of the Living Book Press & Renewed Books sale. It’s a wonderful time to pick up all four of our available titles in time for Christmas.

If you would like to read some reviews (or leave one of your own!) please do so on our Amazon listing. I cannot stress how helpful these reviews are so indie authors and publishers.

Share

📚 Jump on Board for Our Next Book Club: Northanger Abbey!

We’re thrilled to announce our October book club pick: Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen!

This year, we’ll be reading one chapter per day throughout the month of October — 31 chapters in 31 days — finishing on Halloween night. Could there be a better way to enjoy a gothic classic? 🕯️👻

🕯️ About the Book

Northanger Abbey is Austen’s playful twist on gothic novels. You’ll find mysterious abbeys, overactive imaginations, and plenty of satirical suspense — along with Austen’s signature humor and insight. It’s spooky-season reading with a wink.

✨ Why Our Edition Is Special

We’ve republished Northanger Abbey in a teen-friendly edition, designed to make Austen more approachable while staying true to her wit and brilliance.

• Dyslexia-friendly font for easier reading

• A fresh, inviting design for new readers

• A spoiler free preface

You don’t have to read our edition to join- but we think you’d love it!

📅 How to Join In

• Read one chapter a day in October. Each chapter is short and manageable.

• Finish on Halloween night. You’ll close the book just as the trick-or-treaters are heading home.

• Discuss with us along the way. Teens, adults, first-time Austen readers, and longtime fans are all welcome.

  ---

🖥️ How to Join: Simply register through the button below, and we’ll send you the Zoom links before each session.

Register for Book Club

👉 Grab a copy of our new edition, light a candle, and let’s read together. Gothic fun, Austen’s wit, and good company- the perfect October atmosphere await!

Will you be joining our Northanger Abbey Book Club? Drop a comment and let us know!

Register Here!

Share This Book Club with a Friend!

Share

Subscribe now

Our conversation today was with Ryan J. Southworth, author of
The Treeborn Trilogy:

Other Books Mentioned in Episode:

Chronicles of Narnia

Lord of the Rings

The Oath by Frank Peretti (not written for kids—a SERIOUS books.)

DownBelow Station by C. J. Cherryh

Morgaine Cycle by C. J. Cherryh

Always Ready: Directions for Defending the Faith by Dr. Greg L. Bahnsen

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution by Carl R. Trueman

The Treeborn Trilogy : Mapaline, Ceylon, The Last Tower

Heartwood Hotel series by Kallie George

The Green Ember series by S. D. Smith

The Conquerors Saga By Timothy Zahn

Games recommended in the episode:

Unmatched

Wingspan

Azul

Terraforming Mars

Blokus

Share

If you’re looking for the original post and article, you can find it here.

For the member only printables, keep scrolling!

Support the Sommer Family in Ghana
If you’d like to thank Patty for her generous contribution to this resource or support the Sommer family’s ongoing service work in Ghana, you can send a gift via PayPal to: johninghana@yahoo.com

Every contribution helps their family continue serving and sharing their gifts with communities both near and far.

We're thrilled to bring you another exclusive perk as a thank-you for supporting Reshelving Alexandria!

Our African Picture Book List has its own printable! 🎉 This tracking sheet is designed to help you and your family make your way through the titles with ease and joy—whether you're borrowing, buying, or browsing. There’s something especially satisfying about checking off a book once it’s been enjoyed together.

You're also welcome to use the cover-view list in your lending libraries if that’s helpful! We've heard from some of you that your communities have loved these curated lists, and we're always happy to support your efforts to bring beautiful, meaningful books into more homes.

This printable is a members-only perk—our small way of saying thank you for helping us keep this work going. Your support makes this kind of resource possible, and we’re so grateful you're here.

Happy reading!

With gratitude,
Ambre
Reshelving Alexandria

Sample pages:

🖨️ Download the Printable Below-

Read more

Starting From Home by Patty Sommer

Twenty years ago, we packed ten cardboard boxes full of necessities {as best we knew}, and boarded a plane to move to Ghana, West Africa. Though I have been a bookworm my whole life, I did not pack many books. Books are heavy, and I could just get new ones when we arrived in our new home.

Growing up in a home with bookshelves everywhere, having a library card from the time I could sign my name, and having a mother who ran a small private school library, I could not imagine a place without books. Books were as normal to me as breathing.

On arriving, it did not take long for me to realize that maybe I had been mistaken. The people who were helping us settle told us of the ONE bookshop they knew of in our city of two million people.

It consisted of two small rooms with some new and used books. At least it was something. Every time we went to town, I would scan the hand-painted signs lining the edges of the roads and fronts of buildings for anything that mentioned books. We tried lots, but found little.

In time we visited the capital city and hunted for books there. We found a few more options, but this time I was shocked by the fact that all the books I was finding were mostly old cast-offs from America and Europe. It just seemed to make sense that we should be able to find books about this country we had moved to, her history and her peoples. We spent months hunting and enquiring and searching to find a dictionary in our new language. We spent even longer looking for books written in our new language, but were sadly disappointed.

When my first daughter was born, a friend gifted us three beautiful books. Each story was set some place in Africa. We had been gifted a great treasure! These were the types of books I had been hunting for. Just as I had special books from my childhood, my children would, too; books that would reflect the place where they were growing up, books that would tell them the stories of the past, and books that would help them understand the world around them.

The longer I live here and the deeper we go into the culture (our calling requires us to be amateur anthropologists), the more I have realized what it means to live in an oral culture, where illiteracy is a way of life. It means that unless someone shares the stories, they will be lost.

In time, I realized that these books had to be not just for my children’s sake, but for all the children’s sake. So, our library was born. We collect whatever good books we can find, focusing on West Africa, but happily adding anything from the continent as a whole. Africa is made up of 54 countries (at the moment), with thousands of ethnic groups, cultures, and languages, and yet any African will tell you that we share many similarities.

I remember watching my girls’ faces light up the first time I read them a story that didn’t have maple trees and pines, but mango trees and plumeria, and that did not have robins singing outside the window, but the trilling songs of the wagtail. It sounded like home. And when I offer a handful of books to a child who has come to get new books from me, and he sees one that has a familiar looking face or place on the front, a grin spreads across his face, and he chooses that one. It is easiest to start the journey into great books from home.

This collection of living picture books and early readers serves as a beautiful cultural introduction to the many regions of Africa. The stories reflect a wide range of countries and traditions, offering children a rich and respectful glimpse into everyday life, folktales, and celebrations across the continent. We created this list in partnership with Patty Sommer, who homeschools her girls using the Charlotte Mason method while serving God in Ghana with her husband, John—the author of Zao’s Tales. Patty was sharing her favorite books on Instagram, and we agreed to combine our lists in one place for the Reshelving Alexandria community- please enjoy!

📌 Printable Resource
If you’re a paid member (thank you!), you can download printables for this list here.

“A” is for Africa by Ifeoma Onyefulu

Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country by Atinuke

Anansesem: The Adventures of Kweku Ananse, the Most Cunning Spider that Ever Lived by Abyna-Ansaa Adjei

Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti by Gerald McDermott

Animal Village by Nelda LaTee

Anna Hibiscus Series by Atinuke (early chapter books)

Anna Hibiscus Song by Atinuke

Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions by Margaret Musgrove

At the Crossroads by Rachel Isadora

At the Same Moment, Around the World by Clotilde Perrin

Api and the Boy Stranger : a Village Creation Tale by Patricia Roddy

B is for Baby by Atinuke

Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke

Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba

Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain: A Nandi Tale by Verna Aardema

The Butter Man by Elizabeth Alalou; Ali Alalou

The Canoe’s Story by Meshack Asare

Catch that Chicken! by Atinuke

Chirchir is Singing by Kelly Cunnane

Chinye : a West African folk tale by Obi Onyefulu; Evie Safarewicz

The Coming of Night: A Yoruba Creation Myth from West Africa by James Riordan

Crocodile and Hen : a Bakongo folktale by Joan M. Lexau; Doug Cushman

Deep in the Sahara by Kelly Cunnane

Double Trouble for Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke

“E” Is for Ethiopia by Ashenafi Gudeta; Ataklti Mulu

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thomas

The First Music by Dylan Pritchett

Fly, Eagle, Fly: An African Tale by Christopher Gregorowski

14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy

The Fortune-Tellers by Lloyd Alexander

Galimoto by Karen Lynn Williams

Grandpa Cacao: A Tale of Chocolate, from Farm to Family by Elizabeth Zunon

The Herd Boy by Niki Daly

Honey…Honey…Lion! A story from Africa by Jan Brett

The Honey Hunters by Francesca Martin

How Stories Spread Around the World by Rogério Andrade Barbosa

The Hunter and the Ebony Tree by Nelda LaTeef

I Just Wanted to Say Good Night by Rachel Isadora

If You Lived Here: Houses of the World by Giles Laroche

Jafta series by Hugh Lewin

Jambo Means Hello: Swahili Alphabet Book by Muriel L. Feelings

Jamela's Dress by Niki Daly

Jock of the Bushveld by J. Percy FitzPatrick

Juma and the Honey Guide: An African Story by Robin Bernard

Kathy Knowles Early Readers by Kathy Knowles

Kakalambalala : an African tale by Jan Mogensen

Kente for a King by Kathy Knowles

Koku the Cockerel by Franka Maria Andoh

Lion Lights: My Invention that Made Peace with the Lions by Richard Turere

Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli; Kadir Nelson

Mama's Amazing Cover Cloth by Ruby Yayra Goka

Mogo’s Flute by Hilda Van Stockum

Moja Means One: Swahili Counting Book by Muriel Feelings; Tom Feelings

Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe

My Rows and Piles of Coins by Tololwa Mollel

The No. 1 Car Spotter Series by Atinuke (early chapter books)

Nya's Long Walk: A Step at a Time by Linda Sue Park; Brian Pinkney

Off to the Sweet Shores of Africa by Uzo Unobagha

On a Road in Africa by Kim Doner

On My Father’s Shoulders by Niki Daly

One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia by Miranda Paul

Old Mikamba Had a Farm by Rachel Isadora

Over the Green Hills by Rachel Isadora

Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Isabella Hatkoff

Papa, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse; Barbara Lavallee

Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai by Claire A. Nivola

Red Shoes by Karen English; Ebony Glenn

S is for South Africa by Beverly Naidoo

Shaka: King of Zulus by Diane Stanley

A South African Night by Rachel Isadora

Sosu's Call By Meshack Asare

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o

Sundiata: Lion King of Mail by David Wisniewski

The Talking Baobab Tree by Nelda LaTeef

This is the Tree by Miriam Moss

Tortoise Crowns the Elephant by Letta Schatz

Tree of Life : the World of the African Baobab by Barbara Bash

The Twelve Dancing Princesses by Rachel Isadora

The Village of Round and Square Houses by Ann Grifalconi

The Water Princess by Susan Verde; Georgie Badiel

Where Are You Going, Manyoni? by Catherine Stock

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears by Verna Aardema

Yatandou by Gloria Whelan

Zamani Goes to Market by Muriel L. Feelings; Tom Feelings

📌 Printable Resource
If you’re a paid member (thank you!), you can download printables for this list here.

Support the Sommer Family in Ghana
If you’d like to thank Patty for her generous contribution to this resource or support the Sommer family’s ongoing service work in Ghana, you can send a gift via PayPal to: johninghana@yahoo.com

Every contribution helps their family continue serving and sharing their gifts with communities both near and far.

This is a unique episode for us—our very first foray into film as a storytelling medium!

Since recording, we’ve had several filming days under our belt, along with some truly fun behind-the-scenes moments. Below, I’ve shared a few of my favorites:

🎥 A time-lapse of an 18' lofted tent going up in our Jedi camp.

🦸‍♂️ Two amazing actors proving that grown men love wearing capes.

📣 A link to our promo video and the socials where you can follow along: Instagram, YouTube, and our GoFundMe

This whole experience has been such a joy—especially getting to share it with my girls. I can’t wait to see the finished short film once Palmer wraps up filming and postproduction, and I’m looking forward to sharing even more about the journey with all of you! (If you keep scrolling, I’ve included some stills as a bonus at the bottom of the page!)

Also in this episode…
We chat about a few favorites, including:

• a beloved book series that’s will come as no surprise to anyone

• and a random but delightful influencer who just might feed your Jane Austen obsessions- Jake Phillips, theculturedbumpkin
  

Share

You’re still here! Fantastic! Here are some quick shots I took of some of the sets and props- I hope you enjoy!

Inara and me at the end of a 17 hour filming day (it’s hours past midnight at this point).

An 18’ Imperial control console built specifically to cover a low bookshelf at the library.

I’m in love with this accessory for Silas’ character. It’s a battery from the 1950’s.

A jedi master checking out the lofted tent and campsite at large.

Gemma is an expert log keeper for the camera and mics. So proud of her!

We had the honor of filming at Hancher Auditorium. This is the restaurant scene and it was our first long day with a 6 a.m. call time- it went so well but I could barely walk that night!

I love watching Palmer and Rebecca work together. Mothers and sons are such a special relationship!

Just a quick reminder that tomorrow is the last day of the Living Book Press and Renewed Books summer sale!

If you’ve had your eye on any titles—or if you want to stock up for the school year—now’s the time. And if you use our referral link when you make your purchase, it helps support our work keeping this community running and enables us to continue publishing new titles we’re so excited about.

Speaking of exciting things—
We are about to release a new podcast episode sharing all about the side project I’ve been working on this summer (spoiler: it’s been busy and fun!), plus we’ve got two new books about to launch! So if you haven’t already, make sure you’re subscribed to the newsletter so you don’t miss any updates.

Subscribe now

Thanks for being part of the Reshelving Alexandria community—we’re so grateful for your support. 💛

Welcome to my annual birthday booklist! I’ve read so many wonderful books in my life—stories that have shaped me, reshaped me, and helped me grow in ways I never saw coming. I’m grateful to know I’m not too old for that process to continue. So here are 42 books I’m prioritizing over the next few years—some long overdue, some I’m returning to with new perspective, and some I just can’t stop thinking about. I hope they’ll be like good fertilizer in the dirt of my heart’s garden. Maybe one or two will take root in yours, too.

BOOKS I OWN AND MOST WANT TO READ:

Middlemarch by George Eliot- I haven’t felt this level of rage toward fictional people since Wuthering Heights. I’m live-texting a friend while listening to the audiobook, but it wasn’t enough—I had to order a hard copy (this one!) just so I could rant properly in the margins. And that’s saying something, because I’ve never written in a fiction book before. Marginalia mayhem has begun.

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy- I know this may shock some of you, but I’ve never read more than a few short stories by the dead Russian authors. But I figure—if I’m finally taking on Middlemarch, there’s hope for me yet. And honestly, the way you all talk about Anna… you share your heartbreak like she changed something in you. I think I’ll be ready soon.

Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset- This trio has been my Moby Dick ever since I first heard about it from the OG members of Reshelving Alexandria’s Facebook group. It’s still tucked away in storage since our fire, but I’m looking forward to the day its time finally comes. I’m 22% Swedish, so honestly—it feels like a rite of passage.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu- I’ve always meant to read this. It’s not even that long—I just need to finally prioritize it. Maybe I’ll rope Inara into reading it with me… shared stories always stick better anyway.

The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri- Inara and I started this during the 100 Days of Dante project, and we chose the Longfellow translation—it was so good. Unfortunately, it was a season where we couldn’t see it through, but I truly believe I’ll be a better person for finishing it someday.

The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper- Ah yes, we’ve now entered the “books Ambre completely conflated and confused” portion of the list. When I was a kid, my best friend’s brother had this movie and Glory on repeat. He was obsessed with war and gore, so I just assumed this was a bloody mess too. Imagine my surprise when I learned—only in the past few years—that it’s actually a romance. And not just any romance, but one beloved by so many women who share my taste in books. So… I’m in.

Moby Dick Or, The Whale by Herman Melville- The actual Moby-Dick. My dad left me a beautiful copy when he died, and it’s basically a giant epic poem. I haven’t read it yet, but I’m confident it’s the kind of thing you either love… or never admit you even started.

The Token by Samuel Shellabarger; Illustrated by Steele Savage
You might think I’m a total weirdo after I tell you this, but hear me out: this is one of my favorite books I’ve ever read, even though I’ve never finished it and keep restarting it. First, it’s illustrated by Steele Savage — one of my favorite illustrators with one of the most ridiculously testosterone-dripping names ever. Second, it’s a masterfully told story that reads like a Middle Ages fairy tale for adults. If you like King Arthur stories, this will probably be your jam too. It’s heavy but beautiful, with an epicly strong female lead, and somehow it brings rest to my brain every time I pick it up. Will I ever finish it? Hopefully. But I’m in no rush, so please don’t spoil it for me if you’ve read it.

Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory- I read loads of Arthur stories as a kid—the clean, library- kid shelf versions—and then one that rather scandalized me in the YA department. But I’ve never actually read Le Morte d’Arthur as an adult. Since I believe Arthur was real history, not just legend, I look forward to this more that I probably should.

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes- I’ve said “tilting at windmills” enough that I want to read the original story at least once in my life.

Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk- I was so moved when I read this five years ago—I really wish I’d read it as a teen. It feels like one of those books, like Anne of Green Gables, that offers something different to women at every stage of life. I hope to read it many more times, especially again in my sixties.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley- I’m currently reading Shelley’s Mary: A Life of Mary Godwin Shelley and when I tell you it’s like being unable to look away from a train wreck—I mean it. It only feels right to follow it up by reading the book her life produced.

Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott-
Back to the “conflated titles” section—I used to think Ivanhoe and The Scarlet Pimpernel were the same book and couldn’t for the life of me understand why everyone raved about the Pimpernel when I could barely slog through the first chapter… of Ivanhoe. Now that I’ve successfully untangled the two—and read and loved The Scarlet Pimpernel—it feels only right to finish clearing up my confusion by finally conquering Ivanhoe.

Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien-
I think I’ve started and stopped this book more times than any other. Without a childhood foundation in mythology, it always felt like more than I could comprehend. But then Inara read it in just a few days and, like a real pal, narrated the stories to me so I could finally make sense of them. Now that my brain has a basic grasp of the storyline, I feel like I can actually follow—and appreciate—this glorious beast for what it is: sheer brilliance in world-building and story craft.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas-
This was one of my favorite reads as a teen, and I just feel like it would hit different now that I’ve, you know… lived a little.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams-
A funny fantasy favorite—and honestly, it feels like all the cool fantasy fans have read it. Maybe this is how you get into the club?

Ramona by Helen Hunt Jackson-
If you’ve been in the FB group for a few years, you already know about my fixation on finally reading this one—and my classic Ambre blunders, like creating entire reading challenge categories just to fit it in… only to realize it didn’t qualify because I misunderstood where it was set. Described as a wild wild west Romeo and Juliet? I’m absolutely here for it.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë-
I’m a little afraid my memories of this book are too tangled up with the absolute nightmares the movie gave me as a kid. But now that I’m a solid 25 years removed from either, it feels only fair to give this classic another shot—with slightly less childhood trauma in the mix this time.

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh-
A lot of you have read and reviewed this one, and it sounds like a meaty novel on faith and sin—but also, let’s be honest, it screams drama. So much drama. And from your reviews, it kind of feels like you all just read a religious soap opera… and I’m kinda here for that. Chalk this one up to pure curiosity and wanting the tea.

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne-
I read a couple chapters of this as a (too) young teen, didn’t like anyone, and DNFed it. But then I read Three Knocks on the Wall (my heart book) and thought—if this book was worth reading to those beloved characters, maybe it was worth another shot after all. So I’m planning to read them back to back with my teens this year.

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo-
This tome feels like a rite of passage for the serious reader… which I am decidedly not. But honestly, who doesn’t want to lose themselves in two hundred pages on French sewer systems?

Dracula by Bram Stoker-
I never wanted to read this—ever—until the Literary Life podcast covered it and I started reading all the comments from people who listened to the episodes. Sigh. Now I have to read it… I know too much.

Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand-
This hopeless romantic has always sounded like someone I’d want in my friend group. Maybe I’m wrong. I guess I’ll find out once I read it.

Ambre’s Mystery Book:
So... I picked a random book off my shelf one day and read a chapter from the middle (yes, I know, chaos). But I was hooked—line, sinker, the whole thing. I set it aside to read properly later, and then our house fire happened and it went into storage. And now? I can’t remember the title to save my life. What I do remember is it was set out west or in Canada, in the woods, and involved a woman being abused and thrown out by her awful husband. A local man rescues her, and when she protests that it’ll just make things worse, he basically says her husband had plenty of chances to treat her right, and now it’s his turn to protect her. It was shockingly progressive for its age—about men holding other men accountable and women deserving better. It may be melodrama. It may be brilliant. But either way, I will find this book again and read the whole thing. I’m on a mission.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith:
Another case of mistaken identity—chalk it up to my childhood confusion, courtesy of Public Television fundraiser call banks. I somehow got it into my head that A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Porgy and Bess were the same story. (To be fair, the snippets they aired didn’t exactly clarify things.) But now that I actually know what A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is about, I want to read it for real. No jazz opera involved—not that I don't enjoy a good jazz opera, but I figured if I’d seen the one, I knew the story!

The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet by Eleanor Cameron- This early child sci-fi was so beloved in its time, and since I love vintage children’s books, it feels like it would be a really enjoyable read.

April Snow by Lillian Budd- Another book with a Swedish heroine—I've always loved Lillian Budd’s picture books, and the glowing reviews of her adult books make me want to read at least one.

The Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton Porter– This was a very emotional book for me as a teen girl, and I’m really curious what my take-away will be now that I’m the age of her mother. The mother in this story was actually a catalyst for me to start healing my own childhood and adult trauma. Seeing how her unresolved pain affected her relationship with her daughter made me realize I didn’t want to live with those regrets.

BOOKS I WOULD LOVE TO OWN AND READ BUT DON’T:

If you listen to the Stories from the Ashes podcast, you’ve definitely heard me quote Lilias Trotter—her line “Believe in the darkness what you have seen in the light” has become a personal mantra over the years. So when I heard Jennifer Trafton is writing a book about her life? Immediate add to the list. I’m absolutely chomping at the bit for this one since she first announced.

Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church by Nijay K. Gupta
Over the past six years, my life has quite literally been saved by learning to recognize what God actually said in context—as opposed to what I was told He meant out of context. I’m not exaggerating when I say that trying to honor God by keeping commandments He never gave nearly cost me my life. So now, I find myself deeply fascinated by the early church—by how those who lived within the cultural and social frameworks of the time understood and applied Paul’s letters.

1 Enoch: A Contextual Study Guide of Scripture by Sean Griffin
While not Scripture itself, it's quoted and referenced within the Bible—making it a history book I genuinely want to read through. It’s wild to think we have books written by people who lived so close to the beginning of human history. The idea that their words and experiences still echo through time feels almost sacred in itself.

Are Women Human? Acute and Witty Essays on the Role of Women in Society by Dorothy L. Sayers
I’ve always appreciated Dorothy’s perspective on men’s and women’s roles—how it really just comes down to finding what work you’re good at and doing it faithfully. I’m excited to read her full essays and spend some time with her no-nonsense wisdom.

The Agapéd Bearer: Wishing Stars by Hannah Lindsey
Every time this artist-author pops up in my feed, I find myself stopping to take it all in. Her story feels powerful, and I really hope I get the chance to sit with it one day.

The Visual Word: Illustrated Outlines of The New Testament Books by Patrick Schreiner; illustrated by Anthony M. Benedetto
In the past few years, I’ve really benefitted from approaching the Bible in ways that feel fresh—like reading new to me translations. I love organizing and sorting things, and that’s basically what these graphics do. I know I’d happily spend hours poring over them.

The Painted Fairytale by Lara d’Entremont; illustrated by Ellie Tran
I’ll admit—I’m a sucker for a good author/illustrator team, and this book just looks lovely. I can’t get it out of my head.

We All Have Parts by Colleen West
One of the therapists our family works with made sure to bring this book out during an appointment because she knows how much I love helping kids visualize and break down big concepts. I’m hoping to get a copy soon so I can start working through it myself—and with my visual learner kiddos.

Mama’s Days by Andi Diehn; illustrated by Ángeles Ruiz
When I first came across this book, I assumed it was for children of separated or divorced parents—there are so many picture books that focus on split parenting time. But it’s not! It tells the story of a child whose mother has a mental health disorder, and it’s filled with so much hope and love. If the rest of the book is anything like the sample pages I’ve seen, I’ll be recommending it from the rooftops.

Stolen Words by Melanie Florence; illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard
Things I love: grandparent/grandchild stories, watercolor illustrations, and language preservation. Check, check, check.

Pepper & Me by Beatrice Alemagna
I love books that explore the internal thoughts and processes of children as they face new experiences—even something as simple as skinning a knee. I have a feeling this one will be a great addition to our emotional intelligence collection.

Where the Heart Should Be by Sarah Crossan
I love stories of resilience and hope in times that could break even the strongest souls. I always benefit from those story reminders that light finds a way to break through the darkness.

Little Bird’s Bad Word by Jacob Grant
I’m really into language topics, especially right now because at our house, the kids are way more obsessed with missing beeped-out bad words than actually hearing them. So I’m diving into this subject, and I love the humor in the sample pages of this book. Hoping to get it soon and use it to help my kids understand the whole thing better.

Grandmother Thorn by Katey Howes; Illustrated by Rebecca Hahn
I’m totally in love with the idea of a picture book that celebrates elderly folks who are still learning, growing, and being in healthy relationship. Sign me up for that kind of inspiration!