1. I'm Not Afraid of the Dark
This prompt is perfect for stories that delve into the eerie and spine-chilling. You could choose a Gothic horror, ghost story or a tale of dark magic and terrifying creatures. Maybe it’s a book where shadows come alive, or where nyctophobia (the fear of darkness) plays an important role in the story. Perhaps it’s a story best read by torchlight, the kind that makes you jump at every creak. Alternatively, you could read a story which explores resilience in the face of darkness as a character confronts fears others run from. Whether literal or metaphorical, be brave, step into the unknown and uncover what lurks in the dark.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Misery by Stephen King (Psychological Horror/Thriller)
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby (Memoir)
The Fall of the House of Usher and Other Writings by Edgar Allan Poe (Gothic Suspense)
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (Gothic Science Fiction)
The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter (Fairy Tale Retelling/Gothic Fiction)
The Dark by Emma Haughton (Thriller)
Dracula by Bram Stoker (Horror)
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (YA Fantasy Fiction)
The Between by Tananarive Due (Horror/Supernatural)
Weyward by Emilia Hart (Historical Fiction/Supernatural)
The Woman in Black by Susan Hill (Gothic Horror)
The Haunting of Sunshine House by Dominika Best (Horror/Thriller)
In the Dark by Loreth Anne White (Psychological Thriller)
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig (Dark Fantasy)
2. A Heavy Read
A great prompt to be interpreted in different ways. A heavy read might be one with a theme or topic which is emotionally hard to contemplate, or it may have a deep impact on you long after reading. A heavy read could be a book which, quite literally, is heavy to hold, has lots of pages or a weighty cover. Alternatively you could be very creative and choose a book about a heavy character, heavy metal band, a job which involves heavy lifting or maybe the biography of a heavyweight boxer? You could even choose a non-fiction book about rocks!
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski (Experimental Fiction)
The Phenomenology of Spirit by G.W.F. Hegel (Philosophy)
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison (Literary Fiction)
Palestine by Joe Sacco (Graphic Nonfiction)
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (Semi-Autobiographical Fiction)
A Little Life by Hanya (Fiction)
Beloved by Toni Morrison (Historical Fiction/Magical Realism)
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (Literary Fiction)
The Measure by Nikki Erlick (Magical Realism)
The Help by Kathryn Stockett (Historical Fiction)
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo (Historical Fiction)
1984 by George Orwell (Dystopian Fiction)
The Murder of PC Blakelock and the Case of the Tottenham Three by David Rose (True Crime/Nonfiction)
A Rock and a Hard Place by J. D. Kirk (Thriller/Crime)
3. Set During a Conflict
For this prompt you could look to include stories set during wars, revolutions or societal upheavals, whether historical, contemporary or fictional. Alternatively you could choose a book related to family or social group battles where characters face great emotional or psychological pressures. Perhaps you’d prefer a fantasy genre where kingdoms or galaxies are at war. You’re looking for books which may contain themes of chaos, human strength, resourcefulness, community and survival, personal growth and complex political issues, intense human experiences, resilience and moral dilemmas along with the complexity of conflict.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The War Poems of Siegfried Sassoon by Siegfried Sassoon (Poetry)
Minor Detail by Adania Shibli (Historical Fiction)
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (Fantasy)
Milkman by Anna Burns (Literary Fiction
Maus by Art Spiegelman (Graphic Novel/Memoir)
All the Light we Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (Historical Fiction)
Home Going by Yaa Gyasi (Historical Fiction)
The Song of Achilles by Madeleine Miller (Romance/Greek Mythology/Historical Fiction)
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (Historical Fiction)
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo (Historical Fiction)
The Blackout Murders by Anna Elliott and Charley Veley (Thriller/Mystery)
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (Historical Fiction/Young Adult)
Blackout by Simon Scarrow (Historical Fiction/Thriller)
4. Give Me a Clue
Choose a book for this prompt that dives into the world of mystery, crime or uncovering secrets. This could include classic whodunits, detective stories, gripping thrillers or tales of uncovering hidden truths. Look for stories where solving a puzzle or exposing wrongdoing takes precedence, keeping you guessing until the end! Books with twists and turns, suspense, clever plots and uncovering the unexpected are perfect for this prompt.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (Thriller)
The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler (Detective Fiction)
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Mystery)
Death of a Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong (Crime Fiction)
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams (Science Fiction/Comedy)
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz (Mystery)
The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton (Mystery)
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (Crime Fiction)
A Deadly Inside Scoop by Abby Collette (Cosy Mystery)
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (Mystery)
The Boy from the Woods by Harlan Coben (Thriller)
In Too Deep by Lee Child (Thriller)
5. Second Chances
This prompt is perfect for tales of redemption, trust and betrayal, the storyline needs to involve a second chance being offered. Perhaps it’s a story where there are broken promises, with a character trying to earn forgiveness. Maybe the character seeks a second chance at rebuilding their life after it’s collapsed around them. Maybe there are dark conditions to this chance, where it is offered at a hefty price. Perhaps there’s time travel involved, a chance to right past wrongs. Alternatively the focus could be on the resilience of the betrayed, as they confront the deception and hunt for justice or closure, they must offer a second chance to the betrayer to hit this prompt. There may be themes of regret, hope, vengeance, the fragility of trust and redemption.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Atonement by Ian McEwan (Historical Fiction)
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Historical Fiction)
Normal People by Sally Rooney (Contemporary Fiction)
Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh (Urban Fiction)
Wild by Cheryl Strayed (Memoir)
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (Fiction)
Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes (Romance)
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold (Fiction)
The Heart of a Woman by Maya Angelou (Autobiography)
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (Magical Realism)
A Bit of a Stretch - The Diaries of a Prisoner by Chris Atkins (Memoir)
The Last Care Taker by Jessica Strawster (Thriller/Mystery)
Midnight Sun by Jo Nesbø (Crime Thriller)
Never Greener by Ruth Jones (Contemporary Fiction/Romance)
6. Monday, Monday!
Look for stories where the days of the week, routines and predictability play a key role. Perhaps the book focuses on a day that literally or metaphorically keeps repeating in a stagnant, Groundhog Day style loop, with the monotony of daily life leading to a character feeling trapped in time. Can beauty eventually be found in routine and the mundane? Alternatively, you might choose a book where the daily or weekly grind is comfortable, the character enjoys their routine, the life they’ve carefully constructed around themselves and the safety of this well-structured existence, when suddenly life is disrupted or their perspective changed.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (Young Adult Fiction)
One Day by David Nicholls (Romantic Fiction)
Play It as It Lays by Joan Didion (Literary Fiction)
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾ by Sue Townsend (Humor/Coming of Age)
Ulysses by James Joyce (Modernist Fiction)
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (Humerous Fiction)
Perfect Tense by Michael Bracewell (Fiction)
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata (Literary Fiction)
Normal People by Sally Rooney (Psychological Fiction)
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (Romantic Comedy)
The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North (Science Fiction/Fantasy)
Snug in Iceland by Victoria Walker (Contemporary Fiction/Travel)
How to Stop Time by Matt Haig (Fantasy/Philosophical Fiction)
7. A School Subject Story
This prompt asks for a theme within the book that’s connected to a school subject. This could be a non-fiction book delving into a subject like history, science or art, a biography of someone working in a school subject field, or a fiction book containing a lead character with a career in a school subject area but not in a school, such as scientists, mathematicians, writers, artists, historians, geologists or librarians. Alternatively look for books with titles that reference school subjects such as Lessons in Chemistry, or one with a cover that features equipment used in schools, like paintbrushes, science lab equipment or chalkboards.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Stoner by John Williams (Literary Fiction)
The History Boys by Alan Bennett (Drama)
Eats, Shoots, and Leaves by Lynne Truss (Nonfiction/Grammar)
A History of Britain in Ten Enemies by Terry Deary (Nonfiction/History)
On Beauty by Zadie Smith (Literary Fiction)
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (Historical Fiction)
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly (Biography)
Educated by Tara Westover (Memoir)
After Math by Denise Grover Swank (Sports Romance)
The Secret History by Donna Tartt (Psychological Fiction)
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson (non-fiction)
Beach Hut 512 by Dorothy Koomson (Thriller)
Shakespeare by Judi Dench (Biography/Literary Criticism)
8. A Touch of the Green-Eyed Monster
Themes of envy, jealousy or rivalry are central to this prompt. From relationship dramas to tales of professional or personal competition, explore stories where characters wrestle with their green-eyed emotions. You could choose a book with a theme of romantic jealousy, sibling rivalry or workplace envy in fiction or memoirs. Look for books where jealousy drives characters to dark places, or where it sparks personal growth. You might also consider reading non-fiction about jealousy’s psychological and social effects.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Money by Martin Amis (Satire/Literary Fiction)
Rivals by Jilly Cooper (Romance)
Didion and Babitz by Lili Anolik (Biography/Essays)
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (Tragedy)
Burr by Gore Vidal (Historical Fiction)
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith (Psychological Thriller)
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (Gothic Novel)
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory (Historical Fiction)
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (Thriller)
Vicious by V.E. Schwab (Fantasy)
Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth (Gothic Novel)
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling (Paranormal Romantic Comedy)
The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes (Contemporary Fiction/Romance)
One August Night by Victoria Hislop (Historical Fiction)
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena (Thriller/Mystery)
9. Set in Scandinavia
For this prompt, choose any book that explores Scandinavian cultures, folklore or landscapes, and features the countries of the region as main settings. Consider books about Viking history, Scandinavian mythology, or modern-day tales of life in places like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland. Perhaps the main character or writer is setting off on a Scandinavian road trip or perhaps you’ll choose a memoir written by someone who moved to one of these countries for a fresh start. You could use Nordic noir crime thrillers, fantasy stories with ties to Scandinavia, travel memoirs exploring the region’s culture and landscape, contemporary or historical fiction to hit this prompt.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (Crime Thriller)
Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen (Drama)
The Complete Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen (Folklore/Fairy Tales)
The Sickness Unto Death by Søren Kierkegaard (Philosophy)
The Third Realm by Karl Ove Knausgaard (Autofiction)
Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist (Gothic Horror)
The Half-Drowned King by Linnea Hartsuyker (Fantasy)
Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson (Literary Fiction)
Beartown by Fredrik Backman (Literary Fiction)
A Scandinavian Summer by Helga Jensen (Romance/Contemporary Fiction)
Angel Maker by Morgan Greene (Thriller/Crime)
All I Want for Christmas by Karen Swan (Contemporary Fiction/Romance)
Christmas Island by Natalie Normann (Romance/Contemporary Fiction)
10. A House on the Cover
This prompt requires you to pick a book that features a house, flat, or building resembling a house on the cover. This could be a full view of the building, a close-up of a door, windows or even a door handle. Alternatively, you can choose a book where the title contains the word ‘house’ (not ‘home’ or other synonyms). An example for this is the book, The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. The focus is strictly on the physical representation of a house on the cover or the word ‘house’ in the title, without abstract symbolism or deeper connotations.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (Science Fiction)
Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews (Gothic Fiction)
Bleak House by Charles Dickens (Victorian Fiction)
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (Horror)
The Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard (Philosophy)
Barbican Residents’ by Anton Rodriguez (Photography)
Brutalist Plants by Olivia Broome (Art/Design)
The Midnight House by Amanda Geard (Historical Fiction)
The Family Remains by Lisa Jewel (Thriller)
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (Magical Realism)
Here to Stay by Mark Edwards (Thriller)
The Family at Number 12 by Anita Walker (Thriller/Mystery)
The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas (Psychological Thriller)
A Borrowed Path by Imogen Clark (Contemporary Fiction/Romance)
11. All I Want for Christmas is...
This prompt invites you to pick a book with a Christmassy or cosy winter theme. It could be a heartwarming festive romance, a story about the magic of Christmas or maybe a cosy seasonal mystery. The focus is on books that evoke the warmth and excitement of festive lights, log fires, snow and the feeling of wondering ‘What do I want for Christmas?’ You could choose a book where characters, during the season, hope to achieve something they’ve spent all year longing for — a special gift, finding someone special, a family reunion or answers. Covers featuring Christmas trees, snow, gifts or sparkling lights fit the theme perfectly.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Novella)
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry (Short Story)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss (Children’s Fiction)
Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien (Fantasy)
A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote (Memoir/Short Story)
The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan (Romance)
A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig (Fiction)
Christmas in Paris by Anita Hughes (Romance)
Dying for Christmas by Tammy Cohen (Thriller/Mystery)
The Secret History of Christmas by Bill Bryson (Nonfiction/Humour)
19th Christmas by James Patterson (Thriller/Crime)
Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien (Children’s Literature/Fantasy)
The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan (Contemporary Fiction/Romance)
12. Amphibian
Dive into stories where life unfolds both on land and in water, made possible through technology and skill. These human characters are able to navigate underwater and terrestrial worlds, such as deep-sea divers, submarine crews or marine researchers. They may survive in the depths for long periods of time, facing the challenges and dangers of exploration, isolation, discovery and fragile human relationships. From shipwrecks to underwater caves, these stories are rich with the mystery, survival and adaptation that come with life in two worlds. Please note, the use of magic to survive underwater is prohibited for this prompt, however science fiction is allowed.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Moby-Dick; or, The Whale by Herman Melville (Adventure Fiction)
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (Adventure Fiction)
Drift by Caroline Bergvall (Poetry/Experimental Fiction)
The Book of the Frog by Sally Coulthard (Nonfiction/Natural History)
Ness by Robert Macfarlane (Poetry/Environmental Fiction)
The Deep by Nick Cutter (Horror)
Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant (Science Fiction Horror)
Sphere by Michael Crichton (Science Fiction Psychological Thriller)
The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling (Science Fiction Thriller)
The Abyss by Orson Scott Card (Science Fiction Thriller)
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne (Classic/Adventure)
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See (Historical Fiction)
13. Social Media Mayhem
Social media is the focus of this prompt, driving chaos, conflict and drama. Whether it's the downfall of influencers whose online personas spiral out of control, the creeping tension of cyberstalkers lurking behind screens, or the unsettling consequences of living in a world where digital connections take over real-life interactions, explore stories of navigating fame, privacy and the pressure of constantly being ‘on’ in the online world. These tales not only reflect the power of social media and its dangers, but also highlight the fragility of identity.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Follow Me by Elizabeth Rose Quinn (Thriller/Mystery)
The Murder After the Night Before by Katy Brent (Crime Thriller)
Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace (Literary Fiction)
My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella (Contemporary Fiction/Chick Lit)
White Noise by Don DeLillo (Literary Fiction)
Transmission by Hari Kunzru (Literary Fiction)
Anon Pls. by DeuxMoi (Contemporary/Autofiction)
People Like Her by Ellery Lloyd (Thriller/Suspense)
Followers by Megan Angelo (Dystopian/Speculative)
Fake Accounts by Lauren Oyler (Contemporary Fiction)
Social Creature by Tara Isabella Burton (Psychological Thriller)
You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier (Nonfiction/Tech Criticism)
The Circle by Dave Eggers (Dystopian Fiction)
If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha (Contemporary Literary Fiction)
The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff (Nonfiction)
14. A Debt to Repay
Explore books where the central theme revolves around a character burdened by a dangerous debt they owe to another. In these stories, the tension arises from the character’s need to repay or resolve this debt in a struggle for survival. The debt weighs heavily on the character, shaping their choices, driving them into risky situations or forcing them to confront difficult truths. These plots revolve around the idea of owing something to someone dangerous, with the stakes of repayment being high.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy (Thriller/Western)
Debt: The First 5,000 Years by David Graeber (Nonfiction/Economics)
The Godfather by Mario Puzo (Crime)
The Cartel by Don Winslow (Crime/Thriller)
The Last Godfather by John Marinelli (True Crime)
The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy (Crime/Noir)
Payback by R. C. Bridgestock (Crime/Police Procedural)
The Redemption of Billy Bird by Stephen Carroll (Contemporary Fiction)
The Debt by Michael H. Rubin (Legal Thriller)
The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch (Science Fiction/Thriller)
A Debt Redeemed by Andrew Clark (Romance/Contemporary Fiction)
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (Fantasy/Romance)
The Secret Collector by Abigail Johnson (Mystery/Thriller)
15. Main Character is a Teacher
Explore books where the main character is a teacher. Whether they are navigating the challenges of school politics, guiding the next generation through their educational journey or getting caught up in an unexpected mystery, the teacher is central to the plot. The subject they teach is irrelevant; the focus is on their role as an educator and how it shapes their experiences. From the classroom to the outside world, these stories explore the complexities of being a teacher and how this profession touches and intertwines with many lives.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell (Nonfiction/Education)
The History Boys by Alan Bennett (Drama/Comedy-Drama)
Dead Poets Society by N. H. Kleinbaum (Fiction/Drama)
A Teacher’s Life by Julie Hearn (Memoir/Education)
The Story of a Teacher by Tom Malmquist (Literary Fiction)
The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor (Thriller/Mystery)
The Madwoman Upstairs by Catherine Lowell (Literary Thriller)
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach (Literary Fiction/Sports)
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (Gothic Fiction)
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (Historical Fiction)
The Lives of Children by George Dennison (Nonfiction/Education)
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark (Literary Fiction)
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines (Historical Fiction)
In Any Lifetime by Marc Guggenheim (Romance/Contemporary Fiction)
The Teacher by Freida McFadden (Thriller)
16. Sugar-Coated
It’s all about desserts! Pick a book that focuses on sugary treats, whether it’s set in a bakery, ice cream parlour or has a sugar-themed cover image or title containing a word associated with sugar, such as ‘treacle’, ‘syrup’, ‘cake’, ‘candy’, ‘ice cream’, ‘sweet’ or ‘chocolate’.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (Children’s Literature)
Island Beneath the Sea by Isabel Allende (Historical Fiction)
Salt, Sugar, Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us by Michael Moss (Nonfiction/Food & Health)
How to Be a Domestic Goddess by Nigella Lawson (Cookbook)
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain (Memoir)
Chocolat by Joanne Harris (Contemporary Fiction)
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley (Mystery)
The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen (Contemporary Fiction)
Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler (Contemporary Fiction)
Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch (Young Adult/Contemporary)
The Candymakers by Wendy Mass (Children’s/Young Readers)
Patisserie by Meg Rivers (Romance/Contemporary)
Murder at the Book Club by Betsy Reavley (Mystery/Cosy Crime)
Just Deserts by Jerry Crowther (Mystery/Crime)
The Vanilla Killer by Peter Boland (Thriller/Crime)
17. Rock, Paper, Scissors
This prompt invites you to explore books where the central character faces a significant, life-changing decision. Perhaps they are torn between difficult choices, each with its own undesirable consequences, and the pressure of making the right decision weighs heavily on them. It could be a choice between one life and another, one love and another, head versus heart, moving away or staying, running or fighting. The phrase ‘rock, paper, scissors’ is used here as a light-hearted metaphor for the indecision and inner conflict that often accompany these crucial moments. The story looks at the emotional and mental struggle the character faces as they grapple with their choices, whether small or momentous.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (Literary Fiction)
Sophie’s Choice by William Styron (Historical Fiction)
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo (Historical Fiction)
NW by Zadie Smith (Literary Fiction)
Lord of the Flies by William Golding (Allegorical Fiction)
The Road by Cormac McCarthy (Post-Apocalyptic Fiction)
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (Literary Fiction)
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Fantasy/Romance)
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (Dystopian/Literary Fiction)
Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino (Romance/Contemporary Fiction)
The Choices We Make by Karma Brown (Contemporary Fiction)
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman (Contemporary Fiction/Humour)
One Day by David Nicholls (Romance/Contemporary Fiction)
The Vacation by Kathryn Croft (Thriller)
Rock, Paper, Scissors by Alice Feeney (Thriller)
For Whom the Bell Tolls by Jaysea Lynn (Thriller)
18. 2025!
Choose a book published in 2025, the year Authologie launched the Promptastic Reading Challenge. Whether it’s written by your favourite author, a debut novel you’ve been hearing rave reviews about or an unexpected bestseller that’s caught your eye, 2025's a year full of exciting titles. Pick a book that has you eagerly rushing to the bookshop to get your hands on it.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
We Do Not Part by Han Kang (Literary Fiction)
I Write to Find Out What I’m Thinking by Joan Didion (Essay Collection)
Men in Love by Irvine Welsh (Literary Fiction)
Zero Point by Slavoj Žižek (Nonfiction/Philosophy)
Hungerstone by Kat Dunn (YA/Gothic/Speculative Fiction)
The Woman with All the Answers by Linda Green (Contemporary Fiction/Women’s Fiction)
Crash by Freida McFadden (Thriller)
Blue Blood by Damien Boyd (Thriller/Crime)
Framed in Death by J.D. Robb (Thriller/Police Procedural)
19. Written by a Comedian
This prompt encourages you to pick up a book written by someone known for making people laugh. Whether it’s a memoir filled with humour and wit, a comedic novel or even a heartfelt tale written with a light-hearted sense of fun, the focus is on authors who have honed their comedic careers before stepping into the literary world. These writers bring their unique sense of humour, timing and perspective to their storytelling, often making even the most serious topics feel lighter, or offering fresh, amusing takes on everyday life. The author could be a stand-up comedian or funny TV personality, perhaps a funny actor or screenwriter. This is your chance to explore the lighter side of literature and enjoy the comedic genius of some of the world’s funniest authors!
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Content Provider by Stewart Lee (Essays/Comedy)
Unruly by David Mitchell (Memoir/Essays)
Strong Female Character by Fern Brady (Memoir)
Ayoade on Ayoade by Richard Ayoade (Satirical Memoir)
Meantime by Frankie Boyle (Literary Fiction)
The Life and Loves of a He Devil by Graham Norton (Memoir/Entertainment)
So… Anyway… by John Cleese (Memoir/Humour)
Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce (Historical Fiction)
Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart (Humour/Memoir)
The Man Who Forgot His Wife by John O’Farrell (Contemporary Fiction/Comic Fiction)
The Fry Chronicles by Stephen Fry (Memoir)
The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer (Memoir/Humour)
I’m Not as Well as I Thought I Was by Ruby Wax (Memoir/Mental Health Non‑Fiction)
Straight Outta Crawley by Romesh Ranganathan (Memoir/Humour)
No Shame by Tom Allen (Memoir/Humour)
The Hotel Avocado by Bob Mortimer (Memoir/Humour)
20. Feathers on the Cover
Your task is simple but visually intriguing: choose a book that features feathers on its cover. It’s a fun opportunity to choose a book based on its visual appeal and then explore how its cover art reflects the deeper themes of the story. Whether the feathers are part of a larger design or subtly integrated into the background, they can provide clues to the book’s mood, setting or symbolism.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson (Nonfiction/True Crime)
The Bird Way by Jennifer Ackerman (Nonfiction/Nature)
H Is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald (Memoir/Nature Writing)
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe (Poetry/Horror)
Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley (Fantasy/Young Adult)
Skellig by David Almond (Children’s Literature/Magical Realism)
Weyward by Emilia Hart (Historical Fiction/Drama)
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (Literary Fiction)
The Birds by Daphne du Maurier (Horror/Short Story)
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou (Memoir/Autobiography)
Persuasion by Jane Austen (Classic Fiction/Romance)
Shakespeare by Anthony Burgess (Biography/Literary Criticism)
Lyrebird by Cecelia Ahern (Contemporary Fiction)
See Me Not by Janelle Harris (Psychological Thriller)
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (Philosophical Fiction/Adventure)
21. Extreme Close-Up
For this prompt, you’ll need to choose a book with a striking extreme close-up on its cover. This could be a close-up of a face, an eye, lips or any other bold, in-your-face human feature that dominates the design. The focus is on covers that bring the viewer uncomfortably or intriguingly close to a detail, creating an almost intimate or intense visual experience. Whether the close-up is mysterious, unsettling or captivating, it sets the tone for a story that draws you in and forces you to take a closer look at its contents.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano (Literary Fiction)
The Serial Killer’s Wife by Alice Hunter (Thriller/Crime)
The Martian by Andy Weir (Science Fiction)
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (Gothic Fiction/Classic)
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden (Thriller/Contemporary Fiction)
The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden (Thriller/Contemporary Fiction)
The Story of the Eye by Georges Bataille (Erotic Fiction)
The Trial by Franz Kafka (Modernist Fiction/Classic)
Junky by William S. Burroughs (Autobiographical Fiction)
Human Acts by Han Kang (Literary Fiction)
The Blood of Others by Simone de Beauvoir (Philosophical Fiction)
The Birthday Party by Shalini Boland (Psychological Thriller)
22. A Red Flag
Examine metaphorical ‘red flags’, subtle signs of troubling behaviour, manipulation or danger when looking for books for this prompt. These may be present in various relationships, such as family, work, social groups or even broader societal and political settings. These warning signs may be ignored, misunderstood or overlooked by the characters, ultimately leading to perilous or catastrophic outcomes. The stories are filled with tension, frustration and a sense of foreboding. Whether it’s a dictator who goes unchallenged, a friend who leads others into dangerous situations, or a society that shifts towards a dystopian nightmare, these narratives explore how failing to recognise, intervene or challenge these red flags can result in grave consequences.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
1984 by George Orwell (Dystopian Fiction)
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (Dystopian Fiction)
We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver (Literary Fiction)
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena (Thriller)
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (Psychological Thriller)
Lord of the Flies by William Golding (Allegorical Fiction)
The Secret History by Donna Tartt (Literary Thriller)
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (Psychological Thriller)
Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson (Psychological Thriller)
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith (Psychological Thriller)
Psycho by Robert Bloch (Horror)
The Guest List by Lucy Foley (Thriller)
Her Last Breath by Hilary Davidson (Thriller)
In the Deep by Loreth Anne White (Thriller)
23. Leaders in Literacy
Choose a book written by or about a leader whose leadership has had a significant impact on history, society or culture, either in our world or theirs. The leaders could be monarchs, political figures or influential business leaders who revolutionised industries or figures at the forefront of social or cultural movements. The individuals whose actions, decisions and influence show leadership, must have left a lasting legacy. This could be a non-fiction book, memoir or a collection of historical reflections on the lives of such individuals. Alternatively, it could be a work of historical fiction, where the essence of who the person was and the impact of their actions remains central.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Becoming by Michelle Obama (Memoir)
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank (Memoir)
The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi (Memoir)
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson (Biography)
Elizabeth the Queen by Sally Bedell Smith (Biography)
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela (Memoir)
Empress Orchid by Anchee Min (Historical Fiction)
Unmasking Our Leaders by Michael Cockerell (Political Nonfiction)
The Governor by Vanessa Frake (Memoir)
24. Set During the 1800s
This prompt invites you to explore a story set during the 19th century, a time brimming with historical events, societal transformations and rich cultural changes. Whether it's a romance, Victorian Gothic horror, an historical fiction novel, a classic or even a work of steampunk fantasy, the focus is on capturing the essence of the 1800s and being immersed in in this fascinating period of history.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Classic Fiction)
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (Victorian Fiction)
The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry (Historical Fiction)
The Fraud by Zadie Smith (Historical Fiction)
Bleak House by Charles Dickens (Victorian Fiction)
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Fantasy Historical Fiction)
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke (Fantasy Historical Fiction)
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (Classic Fiction)
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (Gothic Fiction)
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (Gothic Fiction)
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo (Historical Fiction)
James by Percival Everett (Historical Fiction)
The Household by Stacey Halls (Historical Fiction)
25. The Time is Ticking
Choose a book where time is of the essence, a race against the clock. In particular, we’re focusing on stories that feature intense situations where characters are racing to meet a critical deadline to prevent a catastrophe. Perhaps it’s a tale of ransom, a kidnap plot where the family are given hours to find the money, a strained hostage situation with a deadline for demands, a race-against-time to defuse a ticking bomb, a trapped desperate character with impending death a consequence unless rescued soon, or a countdown to save the world from Armageddon. Look for a thriller where every minute counts.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth (Thriller)
Hostage by Chris Ryan (Thriller)
The Kidnapping of Christina Lattimore by Joan Lowery Nixon (Young Adult Mystery)
The Negotiator by Frederick Forsyth (Thriller)
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris (Crime Thriller)
The Deadline Clock by Jeffery Deaver (Short Story/Thriller)
26. Future Proof
This prompt asks you to choose a book set in the future, but not the usual dystopian nightmare. Instead, it should imagine a hopeful and inspiring tale of what lies ahead. Often classified within the solarpunk genre, these books explore a future transformed by challenges and events, but overcome through innovation and a collaborative community. Environmental challenges are met with creative solutions, incredible discoveries and societal unity. These stories offer an optimistic glimpse into the future, where progressive approaches and ingenuity lead to humanity thriving rather than descending into dystopia. Whether featuring strong societies on their way to a utopian existence or individual adventures that offer hope, these books envision a sustainable future for all.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Island by Aldous Huxley (Utopian Fiction)
The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin (Science Fiction)
Red Star by Alexander Bogdanov (Science Fiction)
Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (Utopian Fiction)
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers (Science Fiction)
New York 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson (Science Fiction)
Wildlands by Brogen Murphy (Science Fiction)
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid (Speculative Fiction)
27. Make a Wish
Select a book where characters make a wish. Wishes can appear in many forms, whether it’s a magical wish granted by a genie, a child’s wish upon a star, a magical fairy tale or a character’s heartfelt desire for change comes true. Often, a wish becomes the spark that drives the story, leading characters on unexpected journeys or revealing unforeseen consequences. Whether it’s a fantastical tale of wishes being granted or a story in ‘our world’ where a wish coming true shapes the character’s path, perhaps the lesson is to be careful what you wish for!
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
One Thousand and One Nights by Anonymous (Folk Tales)
Five Children and It by Edith Nesbit (Children’s Literature/Fantasy)
Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie (Children’s Fiction/Fantasy)
Aladdin and the Magic Lamp by The Brothers Grimm (Folk Tales/Fantasy)
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (Fantasy/Philosophical Fiction)
The Wish by Nicholas Sparks (Contemporary Fiction/Romance)
The Wish Granter by C.J. Redwine (Young Adult/Fantasy)
The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue by V.E. Schwab (Fantasy/Historical Fiction)
The Wish by Lena Gibson (Contemporary Fiction/Romance)
28. Up High!
This prompt challenges you to choose a book set in a location high above the ground, in the mountains, the sky, space or even the roof of a high-rise building. The key is that the ‘up high!’ setting is central to the story, influencing the plot, atmosphere and character dynamics. Perhaps the setting contributes to a sense of isolation, tension and perspective that shapes the narrative. The height should play a crucial role in creating an experience where the characters must confront their surroundings and the physical and psychological effects of their environment.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie (Mystery)
Falling by T.J. Newman (Thriller)
High-Rise by J.G. Ballard (Dystopian Fiction)
Rapunzel by The Brothers Grimm (Fairy Tale)
The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann (Philosophical Fiction)
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer (Nonfiction/Memoir/Adventure)
The Martian by Andy Weir (Science Fiction/Adventure)
The Sky Beneath Us by Fiona Valpy (Historical Fiction/Adventure)
29. Going in the Right Direction
This prompt invites you to choose a book with a title that includes one of the cardinal directions, north, south, east or west. These titles might have plots exploring themes of travel, exploration or adventure, or the title could have a more symbolic meaning. The only requirement is that one of these four directions appears in the title, without necessarily focusing on a specific theme.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Journey to the West by Wu Cheng’en (Mythological Fiction)
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (Classic Fiction)
East of Eden by John Steinbeck (Literary Fiction)
East, West by Salman Rushdie (Short Stories)
North Korea Journal by Michael Palin (Travel Writing)
Grimm Up North by David J. Gatwar (Crime Thriller)
The West Country Winery by Lizzie Lovell (Contemporary Fiction)
30. Dress to Impress
Characters in this book must go to great lengths to appear more successful, wealthy or socially established than they actually are. Whether it’s through their clothing, behaviour or lifestyle choices, these characters feel compelled to present themselves in a way that meets the expectations of a more privileged social circle. The story may explore themes of class disparity, the pressure to conform to societal standards, or the tension between personal identity and outward appearances. It’s about characters who struggle with fitting in or impressing others, often at the cost of their true selves, and who may feel the weight of societal expectations that push them to keep up with others, even if it means sacrificing authenticity.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
My Friend Anna by Rachel DeLoache Williams (True Crime)
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Classic Fiction)
Money by Martin Amis (Satirical Fiction)
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger (Chick Lit/Comedy)
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella (Chick Lit/Comedy)
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis (Psychological Thriller)
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith (Psychological Thriller)
The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus (Chick Lit/Comedy)
The Great Pretender by Susannah Cahalan (True Crime/Non-fiction)
Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates (Classic Fiction)
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding (Chick Lit/Comedy)
Atonement by Ian McEwan (Historical Fiction)
An Education by Lynn Barber (Memoir/Non-fiction)
A Dress for the Wicked by Autumn Krause (Historical Fiction)
31. An Ancient Character
For this prompt, select a book with a character who comes from an ancient civilisation. This could be an historical figure from the distant past or a mythological figure, such as a character from ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt or any other ancient culture. The character must be one of the key figures in the book, shaping the events of the story or playing a central role in the narrative.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden (Historical Fantasy)
There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak (Historical Fiction)
Mythos by Stephen Fry (Mythology/Fiction)
Circe by Madeline Miller (Fantasy/Mythology)
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (Historical Fantasy/Mythology)
I, Claudius by Robert Graves (Historical Fiction)
Nefertiti by Michelle Moran (Historical Fiction)
The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George (Historical Fiction)
The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker (Historical Fantasy/Mythology)
Gilgamesh: A New Rendering by Stephen Mitchell (Mythology/Fiction)
The Odyssey by Homer, translated by Emily Wilson (Classical Literature)
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant (Historical Fiction)
The 1000-Year-Old Boy by Ross Welford (Children’s Fiction/Fantasy)
32. Silhouettes on the Cover
Choose a book with a cover featuring a clear silhouette. This could be the outline of a person, an object or even a landscape. The key is that the silhouette should be depicted as a solid, single colour against the background, without intricate detail or shading. The image must be easily recognisable as a silhouette, focusing on shape rather than fine details.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Fantasy)
Vicious by V.E. Schwab (Fantasy/Urban Fantasy)
The Other Hand by Chris Cleave (Literary Fiction)
Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley (Young Adult)
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (Mystery)
No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai (Literary Fiction)
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers (Science Fiction)
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz (Mystery)
Battle Royale by Koushun Takami (Thriller/Dystopian)
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman (Mystery)
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (Mystery)
The Match by Harlan Coben (Thriller)
Poison Garden by LJ Ross (Thriller)
33. A Family in Turmoil
To meet this prompt, the book you choose must have a family thrown into turmoil. This could involve the revelation of a hidden truth, a dramatic change in circumstances that forces family members to confront their deepest fears and insecurities, a sudden financial downfall, an unexpected loss or a betrayal of trust. The focus is on the emotional and relational impact these events have on the family unit. Family members may navigate conflict, repair fractured bonds and ultimately try to piece their lives back together after everything seems to fall apart.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Keep it in the Family by John Marrs (Thriller)
Because of You by Dawn French (Contemporary Fiction)
Perfectly Ordinary People by Nick Alexander (Contemporary Fiction)
The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney (Contemporary Fiction)
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart (Young Adult/Contemporary Fiction)
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (Contemporary Fiction)
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell (Thriller)
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng (Literary Fiction)
Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie (Literary Fiction)
A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza (Contemporary Fiction)
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles (Historical/Contemporary Fiction)
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett (Literary Fiction)
The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson (Literary Fiction/Dark Comedy)
34. Made into a TV Drama
Choose a book with a cover featuring a clear silhouette. This could be the outline of a person, an object or even a landscape. The key is that the silhouette should be depicted as a solid, single colour against the background, without intricate detail or shading. The image must be easily recognisable as a silhouette, focusing on shape rather than fine details.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
You by Caroline Kepnes (Thriller)
Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar (Young Adult Fiction)
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh (Classic Fiction)
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (Dystopian Fiction)
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (Science Fiction)
The Flat Share by Beth O’Leary (Contemporary Fiction/Romance)
Playing Nice by J.P. Delaney (Thriller)
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth (Thriller/Political Fiction)
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (Contemporary Fiction/Thriller)
Normal People by Sally Rooney (Contemporary Fiction/Romance)
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (Psychological Thriller)
Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood (Historical Fiction/Mystery)
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (Contemporary Fiction/Drama)
35. Life on Mars
Choose a book set in space or within the space agencies on Earth. This could be a science fiction adventure set in the vastness of space or a story grounded in the real-world challenges of space travel. You could select a novel focusing on astronauts, the International Space Station or NASA’s missions. Historical accounts, memoirs or epic future tales of space colonies also make fantastic choices. Whether fiction or non-fiction, explore the wonders and trials of space exploration.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The Martian by Andy Weir (Science Fiction/Adventure)
Red Dwarf by Grant Naylor (Science Fiction/Comedy)
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (Science Fiction/Comedy)
Artemis by Andy Weir (Science Fiction/Thriller)
Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey (Science Fiction/Space Opera)
The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey (Science Fiction/Space Opera)
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (Science Fiction/Adventure)
Space Odyssey series by Arthur C. Clarke (Science Fiction/Classic)
An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield (Memoir/Non-Fiction)
Packing for Mars by Mary Roach (Non-Fiction/Science/Space Exploration)
Coyote by Allen Steele (Science Fiction/Space Adventure)
The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut (Science Fiction/Classic)
36. Reviews on the Cover
Choose a book that has reviews printed on the cover. These could be glowing endorsements from newspapers, magazines, fellow authors or literary critics. It’s all about finding a book that has been praised right there on the cover!
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (Fantasy/Philosophical Fiction)
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (Contemporary Fiction/Mystery)
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles (Historical Fiction)
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (Contemporary Fiction)
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover (Romance/Contemporary Fiction)
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Contemporary Fiction)
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Contemporary Fiction)
Contacts by Mark Watson (Contemporary Fiction)
Miriam! by Miriam Margolyes (Memoir/Autobiography)
37. A Name in the Title
To fulfil this prompt, you must choose a book where the title includes a first name, it must not be a surname, family name such as ‘daughter’, ‘wife’, or place name. This could be the name of the main character, a key figure in the story or someone who drives the plot forward.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Emma by Jane Austen (Classic Fiction/Romance)
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White (Children’s Fiction)
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens (Classic Fiction)
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (Classic Fiction/Gothic)
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (Gothic Fiction/Thriller)
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (Fantasy/Children’s Fiction)
Matilda by Roald Dahl (Children’s Fiction)
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (Fantasy/Young Adult)
Maurice and Maralyn by Sophie Elmhirst (Non‑Fiction/Biography)
My Brother Jason by Tracey Corbett-Lynch (Memoir/Non-Fiction)
The Second Life of Ava Rivers by Faith Gardner (Young Adult/Thriller)
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab (Fantasy)
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (Contemporary Fiction)
38. An Unreliable Narrator
Don’t trust everything you read... An unreliable narrator is a storyteller who lacks credibility and honesty, due to intentional deceit, misremembering events or a distortion of facts. Their version of the story may not align with reality, which keeps readers questioning the truth of what they're being told. They create a sense of ambiguity or suspense as readers decide whether or not to trust what they’re hearing. Choose a book which has an unreliable narrator to fulfil this prompt, where the narrator has contradictions in their story, exaggerated details, selective memory or an obvious lack of awareness of the situation around them. The narrator is unreliable either due to their own perceptions, biases or intentions, and it’s up to you to decipher what is true.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney (Thriller)
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus (Young Adult/Thriller)
Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane (Psychological Thriller)
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (Psychological Thriller)
Atonement by Ian McEwan (Literary Fiction)
Room by Emma Donoghue (Literary Fiction)
39. A Book I'd Recommend
For this prompt, choose a book that you would recommend to others. Whether it’s a timeless classic, a recent release or a hidden gem, this is the book you think others shouldn’t miss. It could be a book you’re re-reading after reading for the first time years ago, that deeply resonated with you, challenged your thinking or simply brought you immense joy. It could be a book you’ve read for the first time during this challenge, but decide it’s one others must not miss. If the book was selected to fulfil a different prompt but used for this prompt instead, you must then choose a different book for the abandoned prompt. The key to making your choice is that it’s a book you’re eager to share because you believe it deserves more recognition or could benefit others in some way.
The Circle Recommends...
Please Note: The recommendations for this prompt are just starting points. They reflect favourites from The Circle, but the beauty of this prompt is that it’s personal: the book you choose should be one you genuinely want to share with others.
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Literary Fiction)
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (Historical Fiction)
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab (Fantasy)
The Great Alone by Kirstin Hannah (Historical Fiction)
There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom by Louis Sachar (Children's Fiction)
Weyward by Emilia Hart (Historical Fiction/Magical Realism)
There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak (Literary Fiction)
A Poisoner’s Tale by Cathryn Kemp (Historical Fiction)
How to Stop Time by Matt Haig (Historical Fantasy)
40. Starts at the End
Choose a book that begins with the ending. This means that the first chapter or prologue reveals a key event, dramatic twist or important outcome that happens at the conclusion of the story. After this, the rest of the book unfolds by working backwards, showing how the characters or events reached that pivotal moment. This structure might be used to create suspense, add mystery or provide a fresh perspective on the narrative. Essentially, you’ll start the story knowing how it ends, but you’ll have to read through the rest of the book to understand how everything led to that point.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (Literary Fiction)
Blood Brothers by Willy Russell (Play/Drama)
Time’s Arrow by Martin Amis (Experimental Fiction)
Aren’t We Lucky by Sarah Forbes Stewart (Thriller)
The Fells by Cath Staincliffe (Crime/Thriller)
The Housemaid’s Secret by Frieda McFadden (Thriller)
Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel García Márquez (Literary Fiction)
All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda (Mystery/Thriller)
The Night Watch by Sarah Waters (Historical Fiction)
41. Neurodivergent Author
This prompt invites you to select a book written by an author who self-identifies as neurodivergent. This choice provides an opportunity to highlight voices from the neurodiverse community, offering an authentic perspective on experiences that are often underrepresented in literature. Whether fiction or non-fiction, the story or its characters do not need to be neurodivergent themselves, but the author’s lived experience may influence their writing.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Ten Steps to Nanette by Hannah Gadsby (Memoir)
Drama Queen by Sara Gibbs (Memoir)
The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida (Memoir/Nonfiction)
Look Me in the Eye by John Elder Robison (Memoir)
Different, Not Less by Chloe Hayden (Memoir)
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (Romance)
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
The State of Grace by Rachael Lucas
Odd Girl Out by Laura James
42. Water Theme in the Title
For this prompt, choose a book where the title includes a word that is the name of a water source. This could be rain, ocean, river, sea, reservoir or even drop. The title must feature a term that directly names a body of water or a form of water.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemmingway (Classic Fiction)
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune (Fantasy)
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern (Fantasy)
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne (Adventure Classic)
There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak (Literary Fiction)
To the River by Olivia Laing (Non-Fiction)
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson (Fantasy)
43. Fierce Females
This prompt is all about powerful, inspiring women. Choose a book that features a strong female protagonist who is creating change, whether it’s through her personal journey, her career or involvement in social movements. The focus is on women who challenge the status quo, overcome adversity and make an impact on the world around them.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The Flight by Julie Clark (Thriller)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Dystopian Fiction)
Circe by Madeline Miller (Mythological Fiction)
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (Historical Fiction)
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (Romance)
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon (Epic Fantasy)
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (Literary Fiction)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (Crime Thriller)
The Poisoner's Tale by Cathryn Kemp (Historical Fiction)
44. Shhh! This is a Library
Pick a book set in a library or featuring a library as a central element of the story. The library could be magical, a college library, an historical setting or even a fantasy realm where the library plays a key role in the plot. The term ‘library’ could be mentioned on the cover or the protagonist could be a librarian. The story may take place entirely within a library or have crucial events unfold within its walls, showcasing the library's importance to the narrative. Whether real or fantastical, the library is where knowledge, secrets and adventures are waiting to be discovered.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (Fantasy/Contemporary Fiction)
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern (Fantasy/Magical Realism)
The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman (Fantasy)
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes (Historical Fiction)
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke (Fantasy)
The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan (Christmas Fiction)
Matilda by Roald Dahl (Children's Fiction)
The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe (Historical Fiction/Biography)
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (Historical Fiction)
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles (Historical Fiction)
45. Not All as It Seems
This book should begin with the world as an ordinary, recognisable setting, but as the story progresses, you discover that it is hiding an entirely different realm, universe or supernatural reality, shifting from what seems to be a normal, everyday world into a place where the rules and logic are completely different. This could involve realms concealed behind mundane objects, magical dimensions hiding in plain sight or supernatural beings living undetected among ordinary people. The story should begin with you (and often the characters) assuming the setting is in a world that is ordinary, only for it to gradually be revealed that there is something entirely unexpected beneath the surface.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (Fantasy)
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Fantasy/Romance)
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke (Fantasy)
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern (Fantasy)
His Dark Materials Series by Philip Pullman (Fantasy)
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (Fantasy)
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (Science Fiction)
46. Help Yourself
Select a book about self-improvement or personal growth. This could include books about mental health, wellness, self-care or personal development. Whether it's a guide or a memoir, this is all about books that inspire you to improve yourself in some way.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Atomic Habits by James Clear (Personal Development)
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson (Personal Development)
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel (Personal Development)
Why has Nobody Told me this Before? by Dr Julie Smith
Happy Mind, Happy Life by Dr Rangan Chatterjee (Personal Development)
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (Fantasy)
47. A Short Story
For this prompt, choose a book that is under 150 pages. It could be a short story or novella that delivers a powerful, impactful narrative in a concise format. Whether it’s a dramatic punch, a twisty mystery or a thought-provoking exploration, these short reads pack a lot of emotion or meaning into a small number of pages. Look for a book that leaves you thinking long after the last page is turned.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The Answer is No by Fredrik Backman (Fiction)
Paris for One by Jojo Moyes (Romance)
Hidden Depths by Ifan Morgan Jones (Science Fiction)
The Woman Next Door by Louise Jensen (Psychological Thriller)
The Girl in the Picture by Rachel Hore (Literary Fiction)
Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey (Romance)
The One Night by Meghan Quinn (Romance)
The Deadline Clock by Jeffery Deaver (Crime Thriller)
48. Something Fishy
Pick a book that features a fish on the cover or has a fish-related term in the title. This could be the name of a fish species or a fish-shaped object, such as a fish-shaped bottle, an image of a fish or even a whale, a fish-shaped mammal. The story itself doesn’t necessarily have to be about fish, but the cover or title should feature a prominent fish-related element. Think of it as a fun way to pick a book based on its fishy cover, regardless of what the story inside is about!
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata (Contemporary Fiction)
Hidden Depths by Ifan Morgan Jones (Science Fiction)
The Life of Pi by Yann Martel (Adventure Fiction)
Moby-Dick by Herman Melville (Classic Adventure)
Playground by Richard Powers (Literary Fiction)
The Seawomen by Chloe Timms (Dystopian)
Feathertide by Beth Cartwright (Fantasy/Magical Realism/Fairy-Tale Inspired)
Maurice and Maralyn by Sophie Elmhirst (Narrative Non-Fiction/Biography/Adventure)
Natural Selection by Elin Hilderbrand (Contemporary Fiction/Romance/Suspense)
49. Feels Like Home
Choose a book that is set in your hometown, local city you visit often or a county or district that you are closely connected to. The book should feel rooted in a specific location that resonates with you because you know the area well. This could be a book that brings your own hometown to life or a novel that transports you to a place that feels very familiar.
The Circle Recommends...
Please Note: The book you choose should be one that matches the prompt for you and your 'home'.
We recommend asking at local bookshops and libraries for books by local authors. Local friends who also love reading may have suggestions. Why not ask in The Circle too, there may be someone who's read a book set in the location you're from.
50. Where in the World?
This prompt is the opposite of the ‘Feels Like Home’ prompt. For this one, choose a book set in a location or country you know very little or nothing about. The goal is to explore a new part of the world through the pages of a book. Whether it’s a faraway city, a country with an unfamiliar culture or a different environment to where you live, this is your chance to broaden your horizons and learn about a place through the eyes of the author and characters. It’s all about discovering new parts of the world, in contrast to the local connection of the previous prompt.
The Circle Recommends...
Please Note: The book you choose should be one that matches the prompt for you and your should be somewhere you know nothing or little about, this is obviously personal to you.
If you think of a location you'd like to find out more about, The Circle will help, just ask and we will have suggestions. Alternatively, ask at a library or in a bookstore for ideas. We've selected some books from a variety of locations as a starting point.
Books from a variety of genres and set in a range of locations for this prompt include:
SET IN ALASKA:
The Great Alone by Kirstin Hannah (Historical Fiction)
SET IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN:
Maurice and Maralyn by Sophie Elmhirst (Narrative Non-Fiction/Biography/Adventure)
SET IN NIGERIA:
Stay with me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ (Literary Fiction)
SET IN JAPAN:
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata (Contemporary Fiction)
The Aosawa Murders by Riku Onda
SET IN INDIA:
Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh (Historical Fiction)
SET IN NEW ZEALAND:
The Bone People by Keri Hooton (Literary Fiction)
SET IN AFGHANISTAN:
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Historical)
SET IN PALESTINE:
Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad (Literary Fiction)
SET IN ICELAND:
Butterflies in November by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir (Literary Fiction)
SET IN CHILE:
The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende (Magical Realism/Historical Fiction)
SET IN SERBIA:
The Tiger’s Wife by Téa Obreht (Magical Realism)
SET IN TURKEY & IRAQ:
There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak (Literary Fiction/Historical Fiction)
51. Smooth Criminal
Read a book where the title contains a term associated with a criminal or someone who has committed a crime. This could include nouns like ‘thief’, ‘murderer’, ‘burglar’, ‘outlaw’, ‘highwayman’, ‘fraudster’, ‘gangster’ or even ‘prisoner’. The only criterion for this prompt is that the title includes a reference to someone who has engaged in criminal activity. There is no need for any particular theme within the story itself; the important element is that the title contains a criminal-related noun.
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (Historical Fiction)
Actually, I'm a Murderer by Terry Deary (Crime Fiction/Dark Humour)
The Library Thief by Kuchenga Shenjé |(Crime/Mystery/Historical)
Death of a Smuggler by M.C. Beaton (Crime/Mystery)
The Intruder by Freida McFadden (Thriller)
Shadow Thieves by Peter Burns (Children's Action Adventure)
The Traitors Circle by Jonathan Freedland (Historical WW2)
52. The Number One
For this prompt, pick a book where the number ONE appears prominently on the cover or in the title. This could be the title of the book (e.g., One Hundred Years of Solitude), a ‘Number 1 Bestseller’ label on the cover. This prompt is a celebration of our first Promptastic Book Club Journal!
The Circle Recommends...
Books from a variety of genres that work well for this prompt include:
One December Morning by Emma Davies (Contemporary Fiction)
Paris for One by Jojo Moyes (Short Story/Romance)
One by One Frieda McFadden (Thriller)
One Last Secret by Adele Parks (Crime Thriller)
This One Life by Amanda Prowse (Contemporary Fiction)
The Only One Left by Riley Sager (Thriller)
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig (Dark Fantasy)
The One by John Marrs (Thriller)
One in Four by Lucinda Berry (Thriller)
