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Welcome to All Iowa Reads!

Established in 2003, the All Iowa Reads program is one of the first projects to be provided by the Iowa Center for the Book.

The purpose of All Iowa Reads is to foster a sense of unity through reading. We encourage Iowans statewide to come together in their communities to read and talk about a single title in the same year. Libraries, book clubs, schools and other local organizations are encouraged to sponsor discussions of the title. Please use this site for information as you read and study the book. We offer a wealth of materials including book reviews. discussion questions, and publicity materials to help you prepare successful discussions. Read more...

The 2012 selection is Strength in What Remains
Tracy Kidder
by Tracy Kidder

The Iowa Center for the Book proudly announces that 2012 All Iowa Reads selection is Strength in What Remains by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tracy Kidder. The book tells the true story of Deogratias, a young physician from Burundi, who survives genocide only to find himself a homeless emegre in America. Deo never succumbs to the despair, isolation and prejudice he finds in New York City. He draws on inner strength to overcome all odds, graduate from Columbia University and return to his native land to open health clinics there. Dark, but not without hope and full of forgiveness, this is a must read for all Iowans.        

Past AIR Books:

  • 2011.   Sing Them Home by Stephanie Kallos
  • 2010.   Driftless by David Rhodes
  • 2009.  The Rope Walk by Carrie Brown 
  • 2008.  Digging to America by Anne Tyler
  • 2007.  Splendid Solution:  Jonas Salk and the Conquest of Polio by Jeffrey Kluger
  • 2006. Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
  • 2005. The Master Butchers Singing Club by Louise Erdrich
  • 2004. Niagara Falls All Over Again by Elizabeth McCracken
  • 2003. Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

How All Iowa Reads is chosen

The All Iowa Reads Committee welcomes, but does not solicit nominations. Members of the Committee read widely, seeking books with broad appeal. In a series of meetings, members discuss possibilities that meet the criteria listed below. The list is narrowed to approximately five titles which are read by all members. Members provide their honest impressions, independent of outside influence, and the final selection is made by consensus.

Criteria used to select the All Iowa Reads title

The book must:

  • Raise universal social issues relevant to Iowans
  • Lend itself to sustained, spirited and in-depth discussion
  • Be accessible to adults and high school aged youth
  • Be available in paperback,large print, and unabridged audio editions by January 1st of the selection year

It is desirable, but not required, that the book:

  • Have an Iowa or Midwest connection
  • Is a recent publication that has not been widely read
 For more information, contact the Coordinator.

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