In October, we challenged you to read a Banned Book in honor of Banned Books Week in October. Our October winner is Suhwon Lee who won their choice of a Mizzou or a bookish prize. To be eligible for the prize drawing, make sure to read a book that fits the month’s theme and then tell us about it.
We are excited to see all the classic books you choose to read in November. Need some suggestions? The student organization Leading Through Literacy recommended a few classics. Leading Through Literacy is a Mizzou student group focused on empowering others through the use of reading and writing.
You can view the list at this link: https://libraryguides.missouri.edu/c.php?g=1537064&p=11522812#s-lg-box-wrapper-42592180
Congratulations to everyone who participated in the October reading challenge. Here are some of the titles you read last month:
Identical
“I chose Identical because it appeared on an ALA list of The Most Challenged Books of 2025. The story is written from the voice of two identical twin sisters, who have been sexually abused by a father who was also sexually abused as a child. The reader makes a surprising realization about the sisters. This book is heartbreaking and reminds us of the unthinkable ways children can be damaged at the hands of those who should be protecting them.” – Nicolette
Looking for Alaska
“What stayed with me most after reading Looking for Alaska was the idea that some questions don’t have satisfying answers. I appreciated how the characters struggled with loss in very human and imperfect ways. Going into this book, I expected a coming-of-age story, but I found it to be a deeper reflection on friendship, loss, and the search for meaning. The characters made mistakes, hurt each other, and wrestled with difficult emotions in ways that felt authentic. I found myself reflecting on the way we deal with guilt, grief, and unanswered questions. The book doesn’t offer easy answers, but it reminds us that moving forward is possible even when life doesn’t make sense. The book left me reflecting on how we remember people and how those memories shape us.” – Suzanne
Beloved
“Toni Morrison is so specific with her words and her prose and yet it feels so loose. Incredible book that I feel like I don’t have the exact words to describe but it really moved me. Definitely going to linger in my mind for quite a while.” – Jay
You can see more of the books read in October at this link: https://libraryguides.missouri.edu/c.php?g=1537064&p=11695410#s-lg-box-wrapper-43310327