2024 Howard County Reads
Click here to make a nomination for HCR 2024
Nominations are open for 2024 Howard County Reads. Nominate your favorite books for 2024 Howard County Reads online or in-person at any KHCPL location by February 29, 2024.
What makes a good Howard County Reads Book?
A nominated book should be:
- well-written
- character-driven
- not too long
- interesting for a wide variety of readers (from high school students to senior citizens)
- preferably available in paperback (though not required)
20 Years of Howard County Reads
Howard County Reads is an annual tradition that encourages residents in Howard County read a specific book. The program is a partnership between KHCPL and the Indiana University Kokomo library. A committee made up of library staff and community members choose each year’s book from community nominations. Check out 20 years of Howard County Reads at this link
2024 Howard County Reads Book of the year
River We Remember
by William Kent Krueger
In 1958, a small Minnesota town is rocked by the murder of its most powerful citizen, pouring fresh fuel on old grievances in this dazzling standalone novel.
2023 Howard County Reads Book of the year
The Measure
by Nikki Erlick
When every person, all over the globe, receives a small wooden box bearing the same inscription and a single piece of string inside, world is thrown into a collective frenzy, in this novel told through multiple perspectives that introduces an unforgettable cast of characters.
You can find more information here
2022 Howard County Reads Book of the year
Flygirl
by Sherri L. Smith
With the dream of becoming a pilot like her father before her, Ida Jones believes joining the newly formed WASP – Women Air Force Service Pilots is her chance to fulfill that dream in a significant way but must make the difficult choice of hiding her racial heritage in order to do so.
You can find more information here
2021 Howard County Reads Top 15
This year we chose to highlight the variety of books our community nominated rather than selecting a single title. On this list you will find books for readers of nonfiction, fiction, mystery, a book written by a local author, and more, all recommended by other readers like you.
You can find the books here
2020 Howard County Reads Book of the year
The Year We Left Home
by Jean Thompson
In 1973, the Ericksons of Grenada, Iowa, gather for the wedding of their eldest daughter, Anita. Even as they celebrate, the fault lines in the family emerge. The bride just wants to raise a family in her hometown while her brother, Ryan, plans his escape. He is joined by their cousin Chip, an unpredictable, war-damaged loner who will show Ryan both the appeal and perils of freedom. Torrie, the youngest, is also intent on escape, but her choices will bring about a tragedy that changes the entire family forever
You can find the book here
2019 Howard County Reads Book of the year
Where The Crawdads Sing
by Delia Owens
Kya Clark is an unforgettable young woman determined to make her way in the wilds of North Carolina. She is barefoot and wild; unfit for polite society. When Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect her; however, Kya is not what they say.
You can purchase the book here
2018 Howard County Reads Book of the year
Frankenstein, Or the Modern Prometheus
by Mary Shelley
Written in 1818 as part of a challenge with Percy Shelley and Lord Byron, Shelley’s book shows unflinching wit and a strong female voice in this cautionary tale of a scientist creating a living, thinking being.
2017 Howard County Reads Book of the year
Grandma Gatewood's Walk
by Ben Montgomery
Emma Gatewood was the first woman to hike the Appalachian Trail alone, the first person--man or woman--to walk it three times, and she did it all after the age of 65. This is the biography of Grandma Gatewood, as the reporters called her. Auther Ben Montgomery was given unprecedented access to Gatewood's own diaries, trail journals, and correspondence. The inspiring story of Emma Gatewood illustrates the power of the human spirit and determination
