One Book One Independence 2021

OBOI_logo_2

Previous OBOI Picks

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

Arrowood by Laura McHugh

Stars Over Clear Lake by Loretta Ellsworth

What She Left Behind by Ellen Marie Wiseman

A Man of His Own by Susan Wilson

2021 marks the sixth year of One Book One Independence (OBOI), and we are excited to select a book for the community to read together. This page will serve as your information hub for all things OBOI as the community chooses the 2021 title. 


Suggest a Book!

Anyone can suggest a book to be considered for the One Book One Independence community read. Before you suggest, think about the review criteria for an OBOI novel: 

  • Reading Level - is this book appropriate for the general public? Would it have broad appeal with adults in our community?
  • Local Relevance - does the story or author have a connection to Independence, Iowa, or the Midwest? Are there elements of the book that have special interest to our community?
  • Historical Elements - although not a requirement to be selected, community response has shown that books with a historical element are preferred. What historical elements are present in the book?
  • Programming Opportunities - any book title will be accompanied by various programs and events. What kinds of programming would you suggest with this title? 

Click here to submit your suggestion.

Be an OBOI Reviewer

Any person with an Independence Public Library card can serve as an OBOI Reviewer. Reviewers have the opportunity to choose to be considered for the OBOI Selection Committee if interested. Click here to submit your application. Paper forms are also available at the library. 

Don’t have a library card? Visit the library or give us a call for more information! 

Ready to read? 

OBOI Review List

Frequently Rejected Titles

Submit your Book Review here.

Paper copies of the OBOI Review List and Book Review forms are available at the Library, as well. 

What happens next? 

From the group of OBOI Reviewers, five community members will be randomly selected to serve on the 2021 OBOI Selection Committee. This committee will meet twice during the months of September-November to read and review highly recommended titles and make the final book selection. 

 The OBOI book will be revealed to our community at the end of January and programming will occur throughout February and March. 

More information

For more information about One Book One Independence, email us at iowaOBOI@gmail.com or give us a call at 319-334-2470.