Biblio File
Title Quest 2019: Finding Forgotten Titles Together
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Connecting readers with books is a singular goal here at the New York Public Library, and one way we try to do it online is through a post: "Finding a Book When You've Forgotten Its Title."
Nearly a thousand—a THOUSAND!—people have commented on the post, which helps readers find tools to search more effectively for forgotten titles themselves. Once they reach a dead end, though, many of them leave comments in the hope that their descriptions will ring a bell.
Many library staff members respond throughout the year, and we now hold an annual event on a summer afternoon on a Friday to try to knock out as many of the comments, collectively, as we can. This year, we gathered in a classroom at the 42nd Street Library and at branches around the city, and people played along online at #NYPLTitleQuest, too.
We made more than 50 educated guesses at forgotten titles! Here's a sample of the books we found:
- A YA dystopian novel about teens traveling through space to harvest a secret, powerful element: Nyxia by Scott Reintgen
- Fiction about a young artist with a secret marriage to a rock star: Easy Connections by Liz Berry
- A creepy book about a serial-killer teacher: Heartstopper by Joy Fielding
- The story of a girl with a crescent moon on her forehead: The Cataluna Chronicles by R.L. Stein
More details are below:
Book Submitted by John on November 4, 2018 - 1:39am
I read this book a few months ago. It is a dystopian novel, has a male teenage protagonist, male author. It’s about this substance that can be shapeshifted into anything using the mind. The protagonist is on a spaceship with I think 19 other teens to go to a planet where this substance can be harvested. They compete to determine who gets to harvest it, and there’s a monetary reward for the winner. I believe the name of the book is the name of the substance, but I can’t remember what the substance was called. The cover was blue and black and shiny I think. Thanks to anyone who can help.
Title Quest success! Submitted by NYPL librarians on August 2, 2019 - 12:56pm
We think this book is Nyxia by Scott Reintgen!
Please help me find this book Submitted by Kate on January 5, 2018 - 1:57am
I read this book in the late 1980's and my local library (Ashgrove, Queensland, Australia). Young art student sleeps with a rockstar, she gets pregnant, they secretly marry than the press find out and her attempt at continuing to have a quiet life is over. May have been classed as YA fiction.
Title Quest success! Submitted by NYPL librarians on August 2, 2019 - 12:51pm
We think this book is Easy Connections by Liz Berry!
I started reading this book and I want to finish it Submitted by Antonia on December 26, 2017 - 6:59pm
I barely started reading this book before my friend lost it, please forgive my lack of details. The story starts off about a serial killer explaining why he kills teenage girls often on a trail where they go running. He is a teacher at the school so he chooses them there. He kills them just because they're easy or because they have something he desires. A young blonde teen is his next target because he loves her golden shaded hair. She is running down the trail when he tries to kill her, tasting her hair and moaning at one point, but she gets away. A friend of hers happens to be driving by as she starts to run away and she gets away because he gave her a ride. That's only the beginning of the book.
Title Quest success! Submitted by NYPL librarians on August 2, 2019 - 1:37pm
We think this book is Heartstopper by Joy Fielding!
forgotten title Submitted by Amy on November 21, 2018 - 7:10pm
Hi, am looking for a book about a girl with a crescent moon birthmark on her forehead and everyone in her town hates her because they think she's a witch and brings badluck.
Title Quest success! Submitted by NYPL librarians on August 2, 2019 - 1:07pm
We think this might be The Cataluna Chronicles by R. L. Stine!
Have guesses of your own—or want to leave us more books to guess? Check out the original post. You can also read the wrap up of 2018's Title Quest.
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Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.
Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!
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Comments
Help me find this book!
Submitted by Margaret (not verified) on August 8, 2019 - 11:54am
Lost book
Submitted by El (not verified) on June 20, 2021 - 12:32pm
Forgotten title
Submitted by Ilyana (not verified) on August 9, 2019 - 6:18pm
It was published in 1999, but
Submitted by rando (not verified) on March 9, 2020 - 11:42am
Fluke, James Hetbert?
Submitted by Libre (not verified) on June 13, 2020 - 10:35am
i need help
Submitted by sandra (not verified) on August 11, 2019 - 5:43pm
I am going crazy over this plzzzzzzzzzzz help
Submitted by Ava (not verified) on August 13, 2019 - 8:04pm
Book About a Fairy
Submitted by Loida Casares (not verified) on August 17, 2019 - 12:43pm
I think this is Zeee, by
Submitted by John (not verified) on March 9, 2020 - 12:54pm
Trying to find a book I read years ago
Submitted by Nick C (not verified) on August 18, 2019 - 8:43am
Book about girl and her dolls from her dad.
Submitted by Hunter (not verified) on August 24, 2019 - 1:22pm
I think this one is The
Submitted by Kristi (not verified) on August 27, 2019 - 11:53am
A book maybe written in the 60's or 70's maybe titled Witch???
Submitted by K Nash (not verified) on August 24, 2019 - 4:48pm
Looking for a book title
Submitted by Belinda (not verified) on August 24, 2019 - 8:51pm
Forgotten title
Submitted by Pamela Ann Haynes (not verified) on August 27, 2019 - 8:04pm
A book maybe 14 years old?
Submitted by Kristen (not verified) on August 29, 2019 - 3:43pm
Book quest
Submitted by Nazia (not verified) on August 31, 2019 - 12:45am
helping you
Submitted by illiana ellenberger (not verified) on September 14, 2020 - 2:35pm
Help find this book
Submitted by Evelyn (not verified) on August 31, 2019 - 12:56pm
This could be The Blind
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on March 9, 2020 - 10:45am
Forgotten Fantasy Book
Submitted by steven (not verified) on September 2, 2019 - 10:21pm
Was it the Enchanted Forest
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on August 20, 2020 - 10:38pm
ive seen something like that
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on September 23, 2020 - 1:14pm
Forgotten fantasy book
Submitted by Mary (not verified) on February 20, 2021 - 9:45am
Weird Book I Was Too Young For
Submitted by Jessica Martin (not verified) on September 8, 2019 - 3:08am
Could the book possible be...
Submitted by Jamie (not verified) on February 24, 2020 - 3:04pm
Looking for a book about a
Submitted by Khmorehouse (not verified) on September 10, 2019 - 12:28am
I think I know this book!
Submitted by Jacqueline (not verified) on September 17, 2019 - 10:13pm
Searching for a picture book
Submitted by Jacqueline Grob (not verified) on September 17, 2019 - 10:16pm
Searching for book
Submitted by Tanya (not verified) on September 30, 2019 - 8:57am
non fiction book
Submitted by cshuman (not verified) on October 10, 2019 - 1:27pm
maybe...
Submitted by merritt (not verified) on April 12, 2021 - 6:46pm
Can you help me find this book please
Submitted by Adriana (not verified) on October 10, 2019 - 5:55pm
Unnaturals: The Battle Begins by Devon Hughes
Submitted by Nav (not verified) on November 27, 2019 - 5:49am
I am trying to find this book
Submitted by Joanne (not verified) on October 14, 2019 - 8:57am
Is it a puberty book?
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on September 23, 2020 - 1:06pm
Maybe your book?
Submitted by Erika (not verified) on September 27, 2020 - 10:36am
PLS HELP IM DYING OVER THIS PLS
Submitted by Bryn Macnabb (not verified) on October 15, 2019 - 6:51pm
I can't find this book I read on 4th grade...
Submitted by Theo (not verified) on October 21, 2019 - 8:49pm
Looking for the name of a children’s book
Submitted by Beth (not verified) on October 26, 2019 - 3:47pm
I can't find a book, please help
Submitted by Gerrica N Hightower (not verified) on November 3, 2019 - 11:17pm
I read this book!
Submitted by Aly (not verified) on March 10, 2020 - 3:03am
Children's Cut out book
Submitted by Brian Beck (not verified) on November 11, 2019 - 3:02am
Book I read in middle school
Submitted by David Molina (not verified) on November 11, 2019 - 5:46pm
Looking for YA (or younger) book - Confession Session!
Submitted by Kelly (not verified) on November 13, 2019 - 2:17pm
UPDATE: I found it and I cannot believe it!
Submitted by Kelly (not verified) on December 4, 2019 - 7:31pm
YAYYY
Submitted by Olivia (not verified) on November 11, 2020 - 11:40am
Forgotten story
Submitted by Piper (not verified) on November 19, 2019 - 10:02am
King
Submitted by Mymymble (not verified) on October 27, 2021 - 10:45am
Cannot remember this YA book at all
Submitted by sakshi (not verified) on November 23, 2019 - 3:29pm
Book about person in and out of dreams
Submitted by Nav (not verified) on November 27, 2019 - 5:40am
Help me find this book
Submitted by Shelby Gutierrez (not verified) on November 30, 2019 - 5:20pm
Ghost Girl by Torey Hayden
Submitted by Rebecca (not verified) on April 21, 2021 - 6:49pm
Please help me find this book my OCD won’t let me forget about i
Submitted by Corrin king (not verified) on December 5, 2019 - 9:43pm
The School for Good and Evil
Submitted by Norm S. on December 6, 2019 - 1:30pm
Please help me find this book!
Submitted by Riley (not verified) on December 6, 2019 - 10:06am
there was a book I read about
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on December 13, 2019 - 9:38pm
Pls help me find this book
Submitted by Aseela Ismail (not verified) on December 14, 2019 - 3:22pm
I read this book! I believe
Submitted by Edith (not verified) on November 15, 2021 - 6:30pm
Trying to Find a Book
Submitted by Mikayla Smith (not verified) on December 16, 2019 - 4:07pm
Love this one!
Submitted by Jen C (not verified) on March 10, 2020 - 8:47am
Please help!
Submitted by Emmalie (not verified) on December 28, 2019 - 9:08am
Winnie the Pooh?
Submitted by Olivia (not verified) on October 7, 2020 - 3:50pm
short story
Submitted by Alexis Athena S... (not verified) on December 28, 2019 - 5:26pm
Mystery book
Submitted by Lynette Hurley (not verified) on December 28, 2019 - 11:46pm
abook
Submitted by pepper (not verified) on January 3, 2020 - 3:37am
YA Book about Plague/Black Death/Time Travel
Submitted by Erin O. (not verified) on January 11, 2020 - 8:54pm
kids book
Submitted by Brie (not verified) on January 13, 2020 - 12:44pm
The Jewel Heart
Submitted by Olivia (not verified) on January 5, 2021 - 2:32pm
Forgotten Title
Submitted by Andrea Espejo (not verified) on January 21, 2020 - 11:40am
Mid 1970s Scholastic Books
Submitted by Clive (not verified) on January 23, 2020 - 10:59am
Story/novella about earthquakes and alternate timelines
Submitted by Chris Lafler (not verified) on January 25, 2020 - 3:54pm
Help me please
Submitted by Lissete Piceno (not verified) on January 28, 2020 - 7:15pm
Stephen King/Dean Koontz-esque Book
Submitted by Danielle B. (not verified) on January 28, 2020 - 10:24pm
This sounds like Catherine
Submitted by Sue (not verified) on February 28, 2021 - 9:47am
Thank you, unfortunately this
Submitted by Danielle B. (not verified) on April 15, 2021 - 9:39pm
Looking for book.
Submitted by Chris M. (not verified) on January 29, 2020 - 12:52am
Book about southern border crossing
Submitted by Virginia Johnson (not verified) on January 30, 2020 - 8:41am
a book featured in Readers Digest in the 1980's
Submitted by Teresa Noeth (not verified) on February 1, 2020 - 6:22am
Book Series?
Submitted by Alexia (not verified) on February 5, 2020 - 10:59am
hope this helps!!
Submitted by merritt (not verified) on April 12, 2021 - 7:12pm
Teen girl runs away and meets traveling country singer
Submitted by Maggie (not verified) on February 6, 2020 - 1:23am
I forget the name of the book.
Submitted by Jebin George (not verified) on February 8, 2020 - 2:54pm
Looking for children's picture book
Submitted by Joshua Marsh (not verified) on February 13, 2020 - 1:55am
corporate scientist overlord dominates daughter, Miranda
Submitted by Franklin (not verified) on February 16, 2020 - 6:10pm
This is The Dream of
Submitted by Christa F. (not verified) on March 9, 2020 - 10:59am
Plz help me find this book
Submitted by CJ (not verified) on February 20, 2020 - 9:38pm
Help! It’s been years!
Submitted by Abi (not verified) on February 26, 2020 - 1:58am
YA sci-fi fiction, read in early 1990s
Submitted by thanks_ants (not verified) on March 9, 2020 - 10:54am
Anti-constitution conspiracy
Submitted by Larry (not verified) on March 15, 2020 - 2:16pm
Kids book about manners
Submitted by Rebekah G (not verified) on March 18, 2020 - 1:07am
I read a fiction book which I
Submitted by Amy (not verified) on March 21, 2020 - 1:36pm
Hi !! I read a book around 6
Submitted by imogene (not verified) on March 22, 2020 - 9:44am
Help me. I’m going insane
Submitted by Samantha Reed (not verified) on March 23, 2020 - 4:02am
I think I found it
Submitted by Chris Anne (not verified) on February 7, 2021 - 12:01am
can’t remember this book’s title or author
Submitted by Michelle (not verified) on March 25, 2020 - 1:17am
Thumbillena
Submitted by Olivia (not verified) on October 7, 2020 - 4:02pm
I found your book!
Submitted by Danielle Bohlke (not verified) on November 17, 2020 - 1:10pm
can’t figure out the title of this book
Submitted by Michelle (not verified) on March 25, 2020 - 1:22am
There is this book series I
Submitted by Dezaree Rose (not verified) on March 27, 2020 - 3:07am
PLEASE HELP ME FIND MY FAVORITE BOOK
Submitted by Natalia (not verified) on March 29, 2020 - 4:48am
Book I read a while back
Submitted by Ryan (not verified) on April 7, 2020 - 2:02am
Hi I have been looking for
Submitted by Lauren (not verified) on April 23, 2020 - 12:19pm
a very short story i read a couple years ago
Submitted by Desmonda (not verified) on April 27, 2020 - 1:03am
Crime Novel
Submitted by Lexy (not verified) on May 6, 2020 - 2:23pm
YA book I have forgotten name of
Submitted by Aspen (not verified) on May 8, 2020 - 2:01am
cant find this book online anywhere and I dont know the name
Submitted by Eleanor Powers (not verified) on May 20, 2020 - 8:47pm
ya novel-gold rush era
Submitted by Eleanor Powers (not verified) on May 20, 2020 - 9:14pm
Romance is usually a dime a dozen
Submitted by Meia Patel (not verified) on May 30, 2020 - 12:18pm
Can find this book
Submitted by Madison (not verified) on June 7, 2020 - 1:38pm
Koi romance book
Submitted by Raven (not verified) on November 2, 2021 - 6:42pm
Can't remember the title
Submitted by Kelly (not verified) on June 9, 2020 - 9:41am
Mystery
Submitted by Megan (not verified) on June 9, 2020 - 11:57pm
The Westing Game
Submitted by Erika (not verified) on September 27, 2020 - 10:30am
What is this book called?
Submitted by Sarah R (not verified) on June 14, 2020 - 10:46am
Trying to remember the title!
Submitted by Amy K (not verified) on June 15, 2020 - 10:22am
Sci-fi novel
Submitted by Alyson (not verified) on June 15, 2020 - 8:06pm
Fantasy Teen Book
Submitted by Leo (not verified) on June 17, 2020 - 12:06pm
Haunted Book Mobile
Submitted by LIndsey (not verified) on June 28, 2020 - 2:50pm
I need help finding this book
Submitted by Jacob (not verified) on July 22, 2020 - 3:22am
Level 13
Submitted by Olivia (not verified) on November 13, 2020 - 2:21pm
Looking for book
Submitted by Mike evenson (not verified) on July 25, 2020 - 3:46pm
Missing book
Submitted by Leo (not verified) on August 4, 2020 - 7:05pm
Single mom (lawyer?) Snarky series
Submitted by Monica Huckestein (not verified) on August 5, 2020 - 6:57pm
ghost stories
Submitted by Jim M (not verified) on August 29, 2020 - 2:34pm
Please help me find a book
Submitted by S Bishop (not verified) on September 7, 2020 - 7:10pm
Lost book
Submitted by Liz (not verified) on September 11, 2020 - 9:09am
Lost Book
Submitted by Ezra S. (not verified) on September 14, 2020 - 5:13pm
was it a manga?
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on September 23, 2020 - 1:03pm
I loved this book
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on September 16, 2020 - 9:48am
Old Childhood Book
Submitted by Agent 14 (not verified) on September 24, 2020 - 11:56am
Nonfiction book can’t remember the title
Submitted by Amy Woodsmall (not verified) on October 17, 2020 - 6:34pm
book title
Submitted by Lerato (not verified) on October 19, 2020 - 3:25pm
Poetry of Robert Service
Submitted by Sue Frissell (not verified) on October 28, 2020 - 8:55pm
You can find books authored
Submitted by Carrie McBride on October 29, 2020 - 9:45am
Only a scene
Submitted by Lisa (not verified) on November 2, 2020 - 11:43am
Please help me find this book!
Submitted by bia (not verified) on November 12, 2020 - 9:16pm
A book about a cat
Submitted by Alicia (not verified) on December 14, 2020 - 4:13pm
Cant remember werewolf book
Submitted by Montgomerie-Ann... (not verified) on December 20, 2020 - 4:00pm
Story about a man a wolf and a broken stick
Submitted by R weth (not verified) on December 30, 2020 - 1:55pm
pls help me find the book before I die
Submitted by vanessa (not verified) on January 5, 2021 - 12:22am
Book about murder and lesbian friends
Submitted by kitty (not verified) on January 5, 2021 - 5:36am
Help me find a book about
Submitted by Vanessa (not verified) on February 5, 2021 - 1:20pm
IVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS BOOK FOR A YEAR
Submitted by Chrisanna (not verified) on February 6, 2021 - 11:51pm
Book about a Haunted Theater
Submitted by Katherine Cornett (not verified) on February 8, 2021 - 7:06am
A 1976 Scholastic Book on the Revolutionary War
Submitted by Jim Janus (not verified) on February 15, 2021 - 11:56am
Bored wife, cold war setting
Submitted by Sue (not verified) on February 25, 2021 - 1:08pm
A YA Book similar to the lux series by Jenifer L. Armentrout
Submitted by Becca Moore (not verified) on February 25, 2021 - 7:53pm
A Book from Fifth Grade
Submitted by Sawyer (not verified) on April 5, 2021 - 7:31pm
Dystopian YA
Submitted by Morgan (not verified) on April 11, 2021 - 12:12am
Please help me find this kids book!!
Submitted by Merritt (not verified) on April 12, 2021 - 6:37pm
Please Help me find this book
Submitted by Katherine Caceres (not verified) on April 20, 2021 - 12:50pm
Fantasy YA book
Submitted by Ashlee (not verified) on April 23, 2021 - 3:11am
I need help!!!
Submitted by Halli (not verified) on April 25, 2021 - 7:38pm
A kids book I loved.
Submitted by grace (not verified) on May 5, 2021 - 9:01am
Looking for a picture book
Submitted by Kathleen Martinez (not verified) on May 15, 2021 - 12:18am
Looking for an anthology of myths
Submitted by Eli E. (not verified) on June 1, 2021 - 1:08am
Please help me find this book
Submitted by Jhon (not verified) on June 20, 2021 - 8:18pm
Looking for novel from 80s through 90s
Submitted by Gidget (not verified) on August 3, 2021 - 6:33pm
Romance novel
Submitted by Gertrudis (not verified) on August 5, 2021 - 12:18am
Dystopian Novel
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on August 20, 2021 - 10:26pm
Help me find this book!
Submitted by Ally (not verified) on August 29, 2021 - 12:29pm
Fantasy Romance Novel
Submitted by Jas (not verified) on August 30, 2021 - 5:24am
Looking for title to a book
Submitted by Vicki (not verified) on September 11, 2021 - 5:42pm
Looking for a book I read 15 years ago in school.
Submitted by Hannah (not verified) on September 14, 2021 - 8:35pm
Murder mystery
Submitted by Linda (not verified) on September 23, 2021 - 10:59am
Help me!!!
Submitted by Reagan (not verified) on October 18, 2021 - 1:55pm
Nonfiction book and the author was on Oprah
Submitted by Linda Lutich (not verified) on October 23, 2021 - 8:29pm
There is a book and all I
Submitted by Nyx Jackson (not verified) on October 26, 2021 - 3:17pm
Forgotten Title
Submitted by Michaela McClure (not verified) on October 29, 2021 - 7:47pm
Need help finding a book
Submitted by Edith portillo (not verified) on November 15, 2021 - 6:47pm
Forgotten title
Submitted by Niko (not verified) on November 18, 2021 - 1:30am
Forgotten Title
Submitted by Devon Arnel (not verified) on November 28, 2021 - 9:21pm
Help me find this book please
Submitted by Arya (not verified) on December 12, 2021 - 3:39am
Help find this book
Submitted by Sofia Besyakov (not verified) on January 13, 2022 - 6:56pm
I lost the book and can’t remember what it is called…
Submitted by Hayden (not verified) on January 23, 2022 - 10:20am
San Francisco Guide Book that mentions the Good Vibrations shop
Submitted by Wayne (not verified) on January 28, 2022 - 10:16am
Can’t remember title
Submitted by Vicky (not verified) on February 3, 2022 - 2:18am
Forgotten book!!
Submitted by Mia (not verified) on February 15, 2022 - 1:28pm