Witch, Please: Magical Fantasy
A mix of standalone and series, all books on this list will have magical elements. Witches and other magical beings exist in these worlds or at some point existed.
Sign up through our Beanstack app beginning January 1st, 2026.
ARO is open to readers ages 16 and up.
20 books in 2026 is the goal!
ARO resets every year, but you can jump in whenever you want! Sign up, get as close to 20 books as you can.
We’ll have prizes for you when you hit the 5-book mark, 10-book mark, and 20-book mark.
Looking for some great books to help you complete the challenges? We’ve got some librarian-recommended titles that should suit just about any reader. You don’t have to pick from these lists to finish the challenges, we just wanted to give you some good options!
A mix of standalone and series, all books on this list will have magical elements. Witches and other magical beings exist in these worlds or at some point existed.

Why did the western cross the road? To get to the other genre. These books will have you feeling the grit of westerns with the suspense, spooks, and shrieks of horror. Saddle up on these arid plains and see what wild monsters lurk in the shadows.
Did you love Netflix’s The Fall of the House of Usher and want to find more reimagined classic horror and suspense stories? Well move over Mike Flanagan– here’s a list of ten novels that put a new spin on classic tales that will be sure to give you a new perspective on old favorites.
Vampires. Love them or hate them, everyone can name at least one. This booklist is for the fangbangers, the undead groupies, the oh-so-willing blood bags. Here are 8 vampire romance novels. Some will be the first in a series, all will have vampires as a love interest.

Embark on a literary journey that delves into the enigmatic realm of academia’s shadows and gothic literature. This curated booklist invites you to explore the haunting allure of the genre, where hallowed halls conceal secrets, mysteries, and the esoteric beauty of intellectual pursuits.
What people read and why is a pair of questions that have been asked by librarians and those in the book industry for years. It’s a question that can’t really be answered because it changes between people, and even within an individual daily. Those questions won’t be asked here though, because these are the reads some of our librarians use as comfort reads! Get in reader, we’re getting cozy!
Female rage has gained popularity across all media in recent years. While women’s anger has been used in storytelling for centuries, it often mirrored gender stereotypes and maladaptive types of rage.
These female rage characters showcase adaptive or constructive types of rage. They’re victims of a larger societal issue and enact vengeance on their oppressor. They are willing to get their hands dirty and be their own savior, even if it means they become the villain or are perceived as one. It can also be a means for the character to stand up for themselves or others and provide a sense of empowerment.
Check out one of these novels to experience these complex female characters and the rage they portray.

Are you ready for Pumpkin Spice season? We know we are! Ring in the chilly season with books that feel as cozy and warm as a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Each book listed comes with food recommendations to get you in the mood for cozy fall vibes.
If you’re waiting for this or the sequel, Iron Flame, to pop up on your hold shelf, worry not! This list contains read-alikes for this series. Whether you’re looking for epic fantasy world-building, dragons, strong female characters, enemies to lovers romance, or a combination of it all, there’s a book for you here.

August is memoir month! Ever wonder about your favorite celebrity’s personal life story? Here are some suggestions for funny, inspirational, interesting, and dramatic stories from some famous and not-so-famous people.

Failing memory provides infinite stories, both fictional and factual, classic, and new. These are a collection of fiction, memoirs, and films with characters living with memory loss, working to reconcile the discovery with their ideas of their relationships, their lives, their identities, and the effects on family and friends.

There’s something uniquely disturbing about people vanishing into thin air…. March marks the anniversary of the disappearance and murder of Charles Lindberg’s infant son. The kidnapping caused a national sensation. But, it wasn’t the first, nor the last to capture our minds and make us wonder what really happened. This month, read about a mysterious disappearance, real or fictional.

Ever feel like something is sitting over your shoulder or you catch something out of the corner of your eye? Or a weird feeling of
Summer is the perfect time for outdoor adventures, beach trips, and soaking up the sun. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, enjoying a picnic in the park, or going on a road trip, these books capture the essence of summer escape. From heartwarming romances to thrilling adventures, this booklist has something for everyone looking to make the most of the sunny season.

Now that summer is here, many of us are excitedly heading out into the backcountry to engage in that favorite American pastime: fishing! Never mind the vampiric mosquitoes and questing ticks that diligently patrol our state’s beautiful alpine lakes and rushing rivers—if you’re dripping in insect repellant, you’re good to go. The secret al(lure) of fishing sometimes lies less in catching that “big one” than in spending quiet time in nature while contemplating life’s big questions. So, dust off your fishing pole or fly rod and do just that after checking out some of these titles for inspiration.
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the fantasy genre is awash with tropes: wise old mentor figures, magic schools, over coming oppression, and of course, the regular person turned Chosen One (who is later revealed to be from a secret royal lineage anyway).
But one of the most common tropes is the vaguely European medieval fantasy, where armored knights bow to lords, wars are conducted on horseback, and slothful monarchs mismanage their kingdoms until the protagonist comes to save the day.
In fact, it’s practically synonymous with the fantasy genre. If you asked a random stranger what “fantasy” is, they’re more likely to describe something like George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) rather than M. L. Wang’s Japan-inspired The Sword of Kaigen, despite both being incredible takes on the fantasy genre.
At first blush, this list might seem wide-ranging and a little quirky. But hopefully it gets you thinking about those experiences and moments, both big and small, that inspire awe for you personally.
Read any book about hiking! Explore various hiking trails, safety tips, or gear suggestions. Maybe you want to explore Colorado or someplace more exotic? Or perhaps you prefer hiking memoirs or lovely outdoor photos from the comfort of your cozy couch? Below are some suggestions to broaden your horizons — or select any book that celebrates hiking. Happy trails!
Not all stories need to be long to pack a punch. Check out these great titles available on audio lasting less than 10 hours. Bird theft, pirates, romance, biography, and so much more are explored in these awesome audio book options.

Read a book with a one-word title! Whether you are in the mood for a memoir, a classic graphic novel, or a suspenseful thriller, pick it up. And. Read. It. Select from your to-read pile or choose from the following diverse suggestions.
Let’s go to the beach, beach, let’s go get away. But in our brains because inside has air conditioning and gas is expensive.
Did you know April is Autism Acceptance Month? First held in 1972 by the Autism Society, Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate differences, and be more inclusive towards the autistic individuals around us. Autism advocate Temple Grandin has stated to solve real-world issues, “the world is gonna need all the different kinds of minds to work together”. To learn more about your Neurodiverse counterparts or perhaps yourself, check out this list of science-based non-fiction and own voices memoirs. Maybe together we can begin to foster a world of understanding, problem-solving, and support for all who inhabit it.
This curated booklist is filled with compelling fiction set against the backdrop of World War II, transporting readers to a tumultuous era of history. These books promise a journey through evocative storytelling that captures the essence of the time, offering readers a window into the human experience during this pivotal period in history.
Read an Amish fiction or nonfiction book of your choice. Amish fiction is a calm escape from this busy world. Inspirational in content these stories feature Amish characters and communities. Below are some of the titles by popular Amish fiction authors, including some fun nonfiction options. Or select any Amish title of your choosing.
Ready to turn the page and move forward with some great reads? Here are 10 books about moving that we hope you’ll find inspiring and engaging—each one a perfect way to ‘unpack’ the adventures and challenges of relocation.
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