Blog: Fiction

The Best Comics for Vietnam War Veterans Day

We may be a half century removed, but the Vietnam War still looms large over American History. We’ve picked some must-read comics about the war and the people whose lived it changed forever.

Swoony Sports Romances

Romances with one or both of the main characters as athletes (or athlete-adjacent) continue to be super popular. Here are some great new/er titles for those who enjoy a great romance with a sporty slant.

Top Thrillers With Neurodivergent Perspectives

Neurodivergent people are those whose brains process information in a way that is not typical of most individuals. There are many wonderful mysteries and thrillers with characters on this spectrum that provide a unique and fascinating perspective in problem-solving and investigation.

Rachel Recommends: Autumn Reads

Autumn means mugs of cider, supermoons, accessories with the color palette of a 1970s kitchen and, of course, a pile of good books.

D-Day for Young Readers

The 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings is June 6th. Here are 10 books for curious minds to learn more about it and the war in general.

100 Years of Summer: 1945-1964

It's the 100th year of Summer Read! Here are books popular from 1945-1964. You're sure to recognize some of these classics!

15 Books for New Dog Owners

To all the dog parents out there, here are some recommendations for you and your kiddos on raising your newest addition to the family!

10 Youth Novels Written in Verse

Celebrating National Poetry Month by reading poetry? Out. Celebrating National Poetry Month by reading entire novels told via poetry? In. (Actually, reading poetry is still in, but you know what I mean).

Who Ya Gonna Call? TLCPL!

In case you're in for spooks, specters, or ghosts-- TLCPL has you covered! Check out our inventory of all things Ghostbusters!

Ten Quick Reads for the Shortest Day of the Year

The winter solstice marks the start of winter and is referred to as the shortest day due to the limited hours of daylight. In celebration of our shortest day, check out one of these very short books.

15 New Cute and Cozy Holiday Mysteries

Few things go together like murder and the holidays. Here are the newest cozy mysteries with a chilling holiday theme. And some of the punniest titles ever!

World Hello Day

Hi, there! How do you say, “Hello?” Do you sing, “Hello, hello?” Do you yell, “HELLO, HELLO?” What will you do for World Hello Day on November 21?

Hey, That’s My Picture Book!

November is National Picture Book Month! Picture books are meant to a shared reading and visual experience. What picture books are your favorites?

Found in Translation: Literature in Other Languages

Gifted translators like Edith Grossman break through language barriers to introduce readers to the great literature of the world, so you can finally find out what people mean when they talk about Don Quixote and windmills.

Food Friends!

It's a food frenzy! Check out these funny books with food as characters. We hope you'll find them a-peeling!

Dyslexia-Friendly Books for Juvenile Readers

Fact: Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities to affect children. Here is a selection of juvenile fiction about dyslexia, some even written in dyslexia-friendly typeface.

Meet Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur!

One of Marvel's newer comics, it's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur! Being a girl superhero is already hard enough: fight the bad guys, save the city, basic stuff, right? Well, add in a T-Rex companion and face off a gang of space villains, all before class starts!

10 Best Flash Comics

Get ready for the Flash’s first solo movie with these 10 great comics featuring the Scarlet Speedster.

History of Crayons

Crayons have been around for a long time! Here are some great titles featuring crayons and their history.

10 Books for Judy Blume Fans

Are you there Judy? It's us, your readers, and we know you have some new projects in the works, but these books are pretty good too.

Knock at the Cabin and 10 Creepy Reads

Did you read the novel "Knock at the Cabin" is based on? Did it leave you feeling unsettled, aghast, consumed with despair about human nature? Here are ten books to keep those feelings flowing.

Leaving Funky Town: So Long, Winkerbean

The newspaper comic strip Funky Winkerbean has been telling stories about its Ohio-based characters day by day for fifty years. But at the end of this month, that all changes.

8 Best Doom Patrol Comics

Before you watch the fourth season of the TV show, make sure to check out some of our favorite Doom Patrol comics!

Top 10 Worst Schools in Books

By now everyone's gone back to school for fall. Which is sad. But at least you're not at one of these schools. So that's something.

10 Fun and Quirky Comics for D&D Nerds

Whether you're a TTRPG veteran, looking forward to your first campaign, or Stranger Things just has you curious, these comic and manga series are sure to get you ready for adventure.

Pride for Quiet Gays: Great Reads

If you find parades and crowds overwhelming, there are still a lot of ways to celebrate Pride! Here are some great ideas for quiet gays (or introverts in general).

9 Books to Read If You Like Better Call Saul

The Breaking Bad saga is wrapping up with the final season of Better Call Saul. If you're looking to recapture the edge of your seat twists and turns that show provides, these are the books for you.

5 Books with Terrible Hotels

Have you ever listened to friends complaining about a disappointing hotel or a vacation spot? Well, the people in these books have entered the chat.

6 Must-Read Ms. Marvel Comics

Ms. Marvel debuts on Disney+ and these are the comics you need to read to get caught up on the adventures of Kamala Khan.

6 Obi-Wan Kenobi Books to Read

The Obi-Wan Kenobi series hits Disney+ and now is a great time to get caught up on the adventure of the titular Jedi master.

Lady Whistledown Recommends

Let it be known, if there is a scandal, I shall uncover it and share every last detail. These books are sure to be full of them.

Hitchhiker’s Guide to Sci-Fi Subgenres – Part 5

Welcome to part five of “Morgan Talks About Her Favorite Niche Genres,” better known as “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Sci-Fi Subgenres.” The next two subgenres are my favorites partially because they can be so fun while bringing surprising gravitas when needed.

Great Fiction, Unique Form

Sometimes novels need to spice it up. The titles featured here use unconventional formatting to make their pages more interesting.

Children’s Library & Teen Recommends – Summer 2021

Youth Services Librarians love to read, too! Check out what your favorite Children’s and Teen Librarians at Main Library are reading, whether it be a picture book about penguins, a middle grade adventure in a treehouse, vampires in Louisiana, or a time-traveling phone booth!

Classics Retold

Stories are constantly being retold with new and exciting twists. What's cool about book versions is that they usually don't feel like the subpar sequels or remakes Hollywood often subjects us to.

Discover Dolly!

Here is a selection of available materials at TLCPL of all things Dolly!

Novel Novellas Round 2

Here’s a second list of some of my favorite books that are just a little out there, and under 200 pages long.

A Year of Science Fiction and Fantasy

It's been 12 months of titles spanning the genres of Science Fiction and Fantasy for this Online Book Club. Come read about our last 12 books and get a preview of the coming titles.

YA Books Featuring Characters with Mental Illnesses

Struggling with anxiety or any type of mental illness is usually up there with resounding themes of Young Adult Fiction, including first love. That is because our teenage years are often very complicated, especially when mental health issues start to first arise. There are so many other factors that young adults face (besides growing up) that can push anyone over the edge.

Calling All Bridgerton Fans

So you’ve finished binge watching Bridgerton? Now what? To satisfy your need for more romantic rom-com during Regency England, take a gander at these reads below. You may just find something to your satisfaction until the next season comes around.

Red or White?

Unfortunately, this blog is not about Italian Chianti or Chardonnay. It is about Mother's Day.

Books and Other Strange(r) Things

Stranger Things finally released a new season four teaser after shooting delays due to COVID-19. Since the release date has yet to be announced, you've got some time to catch up on these stories about events before and during the show.

Escape Into a Summer Read

No need to pack your bags--just check out one of these titles and escape into a compelling story set in a beautiful location.

Recs for The Witcher Fans

If you are like us and patiently waiting for the next season of The Witcher on your favorite streaming channel, check out these reads. Here’s hoping that they will help tide you over before the highly anticipated release day!

YA Books for Seekers of the Immersive Gaming Experience

Hello there, Player One. Choose what type of adventure you’d like to go on below. All of these titles feature some sort of Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG) or similar environment. What are you waiting for? Pick one of these fabulous books to read today!

Hitchhiker’s Guide to Sci-Fi Subgenres Part 2

Welcome to part two of my series, “Morgan Writes Excitedly About Her Favorite Genre”— I mean, “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Sci-fi Subgenres.” This time, we’ll dive a little deeper into specific subgenres with alien invasions and post-apocalyptic settings.

To All the Otaku, with Love – April 2021

Are you a manga or anime enthusiast? We are, too! We are constantly looking for new (and awesome) titles to add to our collection. We are happy to share some of our favorites with you, including some light novels! For more suggestions, please feel free to contact your teen librarian at the Library!

Mystery Resources for 4-8 Graders

Are you wishing your middle grade reader is into Nancy Drew or the Boxcar Children as much as you were (or are)?! Check out this list of middle grade novels with a tried and

Fairy Tales for Adults

Behold, the perfect list for your fairy tale loving heart. Fairy tale stories and retellings for adult readers.

Ohioana Book Festival Books for Adults

Since its start in 2007, The Ohioana Book Festival provides readers opportunities to connect with Ohio writers. Check out this list of adult titles from the 2021 festival!

Beverly Cleary, Age 104

Beverly Cleary, who died March 25 at the age of 104, was once named a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress, and rarely has such a distinction seemed so well-deserved.

March is Disability Awareness Month

March is a month of many observances.  Though maybe not as well known as Women’s History Month, St. Patrick’s Day or the beginning of spring, Disability Awareness Month is certainly as important.

Books for Bibliophiles

If you've somehow run out of books or recommendations, first of all, I commend you. Second, these titles should help you stock back up.

Happy Birthday Sarah J Maas!

In conjunction with Women’s History Month and her birthday, let us celebrate this author who is making women’s history as we speak… or read!

Novel Novellas

Here's a list of fiction books that are just a little out there, and under 200 pages long.

Realistic Fiction for Grades 4-5

Read these fictional inspiring stories that resemble realistic situations, issues or experiences that could have happened in real life.A Library card and PIN will be required to access many of the resources listed. Need

Celebrate Toni Morrison Day!

On December 21, 2020, Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 325 declaring Toni Morrison’s birthday, February 18, Toni Morrison Day in Ohio.

Helping You Meet Those Reading Goals

Have you started a reading challenge yet this year? Maybe you need a little inspiration to log a few more books for TLCPL’s Winter Read. Maybe you want to challenge yourself to “read harder” this year. No matter what, the team at Kent Branch has you covered! We have curated a list of challenges to diversify your reads this year, and our staff has provided suggestions of some of their faves to match!

Award-Winning Books 2020

The transition from an old year to a new one carries with it many benefits. A chance to reflect. A chance to try new things. A chance to pretend that you’re going to start exercising

New Year’s Fiction

If thrillers, literary or historical fiction are more your speed, here’s a list of reads set on or around New Year’s Eve!

New Year’s Romances

Be inspired to fall in love, travel through time, and set new goals with this list of New Year's romances.

The Spy Who Wrote a Whole Lot of Books

Acclaimed spy novelist John le Carré recently died, leaving some readers nostalgic for his deftly plotted, character-centered espionage yarns and others realizing they've never read a John le Carré book. Time to fix that.

If You Like Fantasy

If you liked any of these five fantasy books, you may like these other titles, too!

Great Comics of 2020

It's the end of 2020! There are so many great comics and graphic novels to read! Here are some of the best.

Wartime Entertainment for the Troops and Their Families

On Veteran’s Day, we honor those who served in the United States military. Among the Library's extensive government documents collection the following listed, physical items are not linked in our catalog and are not available for check out consists of pamphlets, manuals and booklets that were published to aid and support military personnel and their families, most notably during World War II.

Rachel Recommends

“October is crisp days and cool nights, a time to curl up around the dancing flames and sink into a good book.” ~John Sinor

Where the Crawdads Sing Read-Alikes by Theme

Since finishing Where the Crawdads Sing, I've scoured the internet looking for an exact replica story to fill the void. As a result, I've put together my own read-alikes - breaking it down into pivotal aspects of the novel.

Spend Your New Year – At the Library

Happy New Year from your Library! Make 2020 your best year yet by taking advantage of the many resources, materials and programs we offer. We hope to see you often!

Exploring Toledo Through Its Architecture

"Architecture of Northwest Ohio," a digital library devoted to sharing and preserving Toledo's rich architectural heritage, hit a milestone of uploading its 100th unique commission.

Flashlight Frenzy Fun

Toledo Library partnering with Metroparks Toledo for another year of Flashlight Frenzy.

Up Lit: 15 Feel Good Fiction Novels

Novels designed to boost your mood and leave you smiling. Up Lit are uplifting, life-affirming stories chock full of humor, hope, kindness, compassion, empathy, love and joy.

Rachel Recommends: 2019 Spring Edition

The long climb from spring to sandal season requires a little pampering of the spirit. This list should not incite tension or anxiety, but, rather a sense of mellow peace.

4 Episodes to Get You Hooked on Podcasts

If you aren’t already a podcast listener, it can be a little daunting to look at all the podcasts available. Here are 4 great episodes from some of my favorite podcasts to get you started.

Travel via Mystery Novels

Are you unable to afford the expense or time for a vacation? Try reading one of these mysteries set in exotic cultures and/or locales where the place is just as much a part of the story as the characters and plot.

10 Fantastic Sherlockian Novels

Fans of the television series Sherlock will love these modern stories featuring the infamous consulting detective Sherlock Holmes.

10 Best Fiction Books of 2018

So many books, so little time. A short list that includes notable fiction titles from 2018 and lots of "best of the year" lists to explore for further reading.

Best Young Adult Books of 2018

Before you close the book on 2018, be sure you have taken full advantage of the great YA titles released this year. Zombie fighters and modern day poets, from the court of Faerie, to death row, this year’s amazing cast of strong characters will keep you turning the pages.

Start a Book Club with Your Partner

Life gets busy as an adult and there isn't always time to read. Starting a two-person book club with your partner can be a fun way to connect with each other and share the books you love.

How to Find a Good Book to Read

All things are relative - including what constitutes a "good book," but finding books you'll enjoy is easy with the right tools.

Two Librarians, Too Many Books: Summer Reads

We're back! This time, we're obsessing over what we consider the best "summer reads" around. Read on for our lightly-edited-for-clarity conversation about what titles we think you should plop down on a beach with or stay safely-contained within your air-conditioned home with. We don't judge.

Jane Austen’s Hidden Feminism

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice"Pride and Prejudice," a book that will live in infamy and also appears on a recent list of 100 Great American Reads, is a lot more feminist than popular culture would

Pacific Rim Uprising and the Like

The upcoming release of the Universal Pictures film “Pacific Rim Uprising” on March 23, 2018 inspires a new look into past Sci-Fi gems involving Alien Invasions, Robots and unwinnable struggles.

DIY Booklists

Share your best reads list with friends so they can borrow confidently.

November Thankful Reads

Whether or not one chooses to gorge on Thanksgiving, fall is a fantastic time to reflect upon the importance of gratitude in our lives.

Obsessed with Living in a Dream

As I first started reading Patti Smith’s work, M Train, I was torn. Torn because I loved to get lost in her world, and also upset because she had the luxury of being lost in it on a daily basis, and well, I didn’t.

Read the Movie, Watch the Book: Part Two!

Which is better - the book or the film? Each version always has its champion. For the most part, seeing a visual interpretation of a book is worth the time spent. Continue reading to explore a selection of book to film adaptations coming out in 2017.

Read the Movie, Watch the Book

There are a number of popular films coming out soon based on even more popular books - check out this blog post to explore the top 11 titles due out this year.

Entertaining Rom-Coms

Featuring a selection of entertaining romantic comedy films that are sure to make you laugh and lighten your mood.

Hero’s Journey – Monomyth

Do you love The Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Lion King, or Moana? All of these novels and/or movies have a common literary technique identified as the Hero's Journey.

All Things Sherlock

Sherlock Holmes is one of the most famous detectives of all-time. Explore this blog post to learn more about the history and works inspired by the infamous character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Best Fiction Books of 2016

What were some of the best of the best fiction books of 2016? Continue reading to discover your next great read.

I Want It Black

All of us have a darker side that we must answer to, and sometimes it comes through in our need for a good dastardly read. So, if you’re tired of bubble gum and happy endings, read on for a few reads that will further darken that inky place you may need to exhume.

Holy 50 Years, Batman!

Sanger Branch is celebrating 50 years of Batman in film with a special showing of the 1966 Batman movie, the movie that started it all.

A Buffet Of Romance Novels

Whether you like to gobble up contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense or inspirational romance there is a buffet of romance subgenres to satisfy anyone’s taste.

Shadowhunters Mortal Instruments

Have you watched the Freeform TV series Shadowhunters Mortal Instruments? Did you know it was originally a book series written by Cassandra Clare. You can get those books, ebooks, or audiobooks now!

Best Fiction Books of 2015

Best fiction books of 2015 including historical fiction, mysteries, suspense, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, romance, love stories and short stories. Amazing selections by notable authors like Kristen Hannah, Paula Hawkins, Ruth Rendell, Sonali Dev, Naomi Novak, J.K. Jemisin and Angela Flournoy.