Read with MLC: A Book with a One-Word Title

Welcome to May, and the fifth month of the Read with MLC 2025 Reading Challenge! This month's goal is to read a book with a one-word title. While September is the longest month word, May is the shortest. It makes our nerdy little librarian hearts go all aflutter to have a reading prompt - short title - that matches the month - short name. Why, though, do we see so many one-word titles, when it's possible to have, well, something more descriptive? Vivienne Woodward posits that the ambiguity of a one-word title is what makes them work so well for fiction. A short title teases the brain, makes us wonder what magical story is printed on the pages of so brief a name. MLC staff rose to the challenge of providing their favorite one-word titles, so check them out after the jump below!

Room
BARD
Emily Donoghue
The author’s ability to show the progression of the 5-year-old narrator’s language acquisition is incredible!
-Charlie Simpkins, Special Collections Coordinator

Castles
Julie Garwood
MLC
BARD
One of my favorite books!
-Lorietha Myers, Library Development Assistant

Killjoy
Julie Garwood
MLC
BARD
One of my favorite books!
-Lorietha Myers, Library Development Assistant 

Homegoing
Yaa Gyasi
MLC
BARD
-Ruth Jinkiri, Disability Support Coordinator

Pachinko
Min Jin Lee
MLC
BARD
I read this last year and loved it. It follows three generations of a Korean family who immigrate to Japan and their troubles there. It is historical, ethnic fiction.
-Miranda Loper, Talking Book Services Director 

Greenlights
Matthew McConaughey
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Matthew McConaughey. It felt like listening to a friend tell you about their life. Very welcoming.
MLC
BARD
-Charlie Simpkins, Special Collections Coordinator

Watchmen
Alan Moore
-Betty Moore, Technical Services Librarian

Binti
Nnedi Okorafor
Beautifully told science fiction.
hoopla at MLC
BARD
-Elisabeth Scott, Reference Librarian

Lagoon
Nnedi Okorafor
I checked my Goodreads list, and it’s been 10 years since I read Lagoon. The imagery still sticks with me today.
BARD
-Charlie Simpkins, Special Collections Coordinator

Hamlet
William Shakespeare
MLC
hoopla at MLC
BARD
-Meredith Rickman, Fiscal Services Accountant

Rivers
Michael Farris Smith
The setting of this story is a huge character in this story. I felt the dampness creeping into my bones as I read it!
MLC
hoopla at MLC
-Charlie Simpkins, Special Collections Coordinator

Dracula
Bram Stoker
MLC
hoopla at MLC
BARD
-Meredith Rickman, Fiscal Services Accountant

Don't think these one-word titled books are for you, but still want to join our monthly reading challenge? Check out MLC's BookMatch service! Fill out our short form telling us about your reading likes and dislikes; we'll send you a list of suggested one-word titles tailored to your specific tastes. Until next time, happy reading! 

Elisabeth Scott
Reference Librarian