One Read 2026: “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van PeltOne Read is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! Over the last quarter of a century, our community has read across many genres, including memoirs, true crime, historical fiction, science fiction and more.
We want to know which book of the last 25 years is our community’s favorite, and so we’re asking for your help. Over the next several weeks, you’ll first vote for your top 16 titles from One Read’s past, and then we’ll put those titles head to head and you’ll continue to vote, eliminating titles each week. On September 1, we’ll announce which title has the honor of being our One Read champion!
There will be a discussion of the winning book on Wednesday, September 30 from 6-7 p.m. in the Friends Room of the Columbia Public Library.
How the Tournament of Champions voting works:
Round 1: Vote now through August 3 for the top 16.
Round 2: Vote August 4-9 to narrow from 16 to eight titles.
Round 3: Vote August 11-16 to determine the top four.
Round 4: Vote August 18-23 to determine the last two titles.
Round 5: Vote August 25-30 to decide the winner.
September 1: The champion is announced!
Every time you vote, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a One Read Bookshelf (a complete collection of all 25 One Read books)!
You can cast your vote for the top 16 between now through August 3 by filling out this form: