Quarantine Reads

Last November, I resolved to read every night before going to sleep. I appreciate that the timing (just before the pandemic) was perfect. I have more time to relax at home reading, and I’ve been reading lots of books. I’m hoping to hit 100 by the end of the year. Why? Just because.

I need more. Does anyone have some good book suggestions? Help me fill my brain with poetic writing and beautiful stories.

If you’re looking for a few good books to add to your quarantine reading, I’ve picked a few of my favorites below.

Normal People – Sally Rooney

I read Normal People in a night. First, Ireland. Second, it is a sad but lovely imperfect love story. The story follows Connell and Marianne, two very different people, through high school and college and is the perfect description of how love can be equal parts sweet and terrible. 

“She can’t tell whether he’s holding back a desire to pull away from her, or a desire to make himself more vulnerable somehow.”

My Dark Vanessa – Kate Elizabeth Russell

My Dark Vanessa is dark. It tells the story of Vanessa Wye, who has to deal with the fallout after having an affair with her boarding school English teacher. While the book deals with some incredibly dark material, the writing is so beautiful and honest. I could not stop reading. 

“I’m starting to understand that the longer you get away with something, the more reckless you become, until it’s almost as if you want to get caught.”

The Dutch House – Ann Patchett

The Dutch House is a novel both about a house and the relationship between two siblings. I have yet to read a description of the book that captures the nuance of the story. The book imbibes a feeling in you that you can’t inexplicably describe. 

“But we overlay the present onto the past. We look back through the lens of what we know now, so we’re not seeing it as the people we were, we’re seeing it as the people we are, and that means the past has been radically altered.”

Me Before You – Jojo Moyes

Me Before You is also a popular movie, which multiple friends told me not to watch because it was so sad. So, I read the book. Was it sad? Yes. Was it worth it? Totally. I dare you to read this book and not fall in love with Will Traynor alongside Louisa.

“Will’s eyes met mine. Blue, unfathomable. A small cloud of butterflies landed in my stomach.”

Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens

Where the Crawdads Sing is the story of Kya, who grows up isolated in a North Carolina marsh after her family abandons her. She loves nature and avoids people (understandable). As is life, some things happen. Sounds generic, good. I’m not telling you anything. I wasn’t sure I would like it, and I ended up loving it. It has beautiful writing, and I can’t imagine not loving Kya. 

“But every time she thought of him or saw him, her heart jumped from the old love to the pain of abandonment. She wished it would settle on one side or the other.”