Welcome to All Iowa Reads!

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.

• 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

• Have an Iowa or Midwest connection
• Is a recent publication that has not been widely read

 For more information, contact the Coordinator of the Iowa Center for the Book.