Your Desert Island Books

What's Your Desert Island Book?

If you were stuck on a desert island and could only take one book with you, what book would you bring and why?

Wait, what kind of island is this? I'm getting shipwrecked with foresight? Am I packing other things for this island?

Just go with it, ok? This is all fictional, though your book doesn't necessarily have to be. From the practical to the comforting to the unexpected, here's the books OPL staffers would want on their island.

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

Why would I pick this book to have with me if stuck on desert island? The subtitle says it all! This is a book about writing your way through dark times,…

Read more of this comment about Never Say You Can't Survive

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

I'd want this book with me if I was stuck on a desert island. This book makes me cry and gives me hope and reminds me why it's important to dream up better…

Read more of this comment about A Psalm for the Wild-built

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

If stuck on a desert island, this is the book I'd pick to have with me. I would want to create endless entertainment for myself in a world without internet…

Read more of this comment about The Organic Artist

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

This is a story of a young college student whose life changes due to his travels throughout Asia. They radically due to starting a year abroad. Strong…

Read more of this comment about My Year Abroad

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

The gripping character development and exciting plots would make being on an isolating desert less unbearable. (Book three of an ongoing series) - Shani…

Read more of this comment about A Court of Wings and Ruin

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

The writing is beautiful, the story is haunting, the book is captivating. --Irena

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

It's beautifully written historical fiction with complex characters, and I can read it over and over and always find something new. --Jesse

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

This little guidebook is loaded with colorful, eye-catching photographs. You will find out things such as... What is this mushroom and can I eat it? If…

Read more of this comment about How to Forage for Mushrooms Without…

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

Although I generally prefer novels to short stories, if I had to rely on one book to have while stranded on a desert island, it would be a story collection…

Read more of this comment about LIBERATION DAY

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

I've been reading Calvin and Hobbes nearly every day since I was 5 years old. It's the one series I can go back to again and again and always get something…

Read more of this comment about Calvin and Hobbes

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

With over 1000 songs--including King of the Road, Copacabana, Sultans of Swing, Don't Go Breaking My Heart, Love on the Rocks, and many more classic tunes--it…

Read more of this comment about The Best Fake Book Ever

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

This is the book I'd want to be stuck with on a desert island. So I can shape the narration of my new, solitary life on this desert island in the most…

Read more of this comment about Frankenstein

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

I love reading about the first civilized nation in the history of the world. It's incredibly fascinating. It almost reads like utopian fiction, and can…

Read more of this comment about A History of Ancient Egypt

Desert Island Books

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

It is a riveting account of his life from the first to the last page. It has historical significance, from fighting for women's rights, equal pay, and…

Read more of this comment about Frederick Douglass

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

I really like the visual map in the beginning of the book and the obvious parody of Ikea mixed with paranormal themes and the hold that capitalism has…

Read more of this comment about Horrorstör

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

It is an excellent book to bring if I am stranded on a desert island. This book has more than 500 pages and is an awarded-winning historical fiction. I…

Read more of this comment about All the Light We Cannot See

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

I'd want to have this book with me if I was stuck on a desert island. This historical fiction novel has tons of period detail and great characterization,…

Read more of this comment about A Suitable Boy

Desert Island Books

keaneonlibraries said:

This book got me through a rough period and has stuck with me more than any other. It always give me hope and perspective. -Megan

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

This is an epic multicultural family drama about three young adults growing up in New York, Boston, and ending up in the Bay Area. --Yohan

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

This would be my choice of book if stuck on a desert island. Vengeance, chosen family, mermaids, killer bees, all brimmed with desire, these 'dangerous…

Read more of this comment about Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars…

Desert Island Books

OaklandPL_Adults said:

It's just the best. --Sadie

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