With things like coronavirus, quarantine and economic turmoil on the brain constantly, I think it’s fair to say that we all need a bit of escapism right now. That’s why I’ve put together a list of fun, entertaining reads to distract ourselves with during this strange time in our lives. So without further ado, happy reading!
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Now that the BBC series of this best-selling book is out in the world, it really is the perfect time to pick up the paperback once and for all. It covers themes of class, dysfunctional relationships and mental illness, all in a very raw and realistic way. The TV series does a great job of capturing the essence of the book and showing the vast differences between rural and urban Ireland. For a better insight into the characters minds and their backstories, I’d highly recommend reading the book before getting stuck into the adaptation — however, either way you’re in for a captivating experience.
Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham
If any of you remember from back in the day, watched or were a fan of the show ‘Gilmore Girls’, then this is the book for you — especially if you’re into audio books! Lauren Graham, who played Lorelai in ‘Gilmore Girls’, takes us through her life’s journey, starting from childhood and how she got into acting, right on through to the inception of Gilmore Girls, getting cast and then finally the making of the revival. If you’re all caught up on your podcasts and looking for something utterly brilliant to keep you entertained and laughing out loud, then this is a must-read. Lauren is an absolute hoot to listen to from beginning until end. Not to mention, she keeps to her word in ‘Talking as Fast as I Can’, leaving us with an audio book of four and a half hours in length, making it the perfect quick and easy read.
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
I read this book on holidays in Spain last year, and while I still believe that it’s the perfect ‘holiday read’, I also think it’s the ideal book to escape in. It follows a newly unemployed 26 year-old Canadian, Calla Fletcher, as she travels down to the wilderness of Alaska to reconnect with the father she hasn’t spoken to in 12 years, and has yet to meet in person. If you’re looking for more of a light-hearted story to help you forget about the coronavirus crisis, then this is a firm contender. The contrast between cultures, the estranged family relationships and the romance element give it a strong ‘Sweet Home Alabama’/’The Last Song’ vibe — resulting in a truly charming tale.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
There’s something really special about a good, well-written ‘heist’ book, and ‘Six of Crows’ is certainly that. The world building and character development is truly phenomenal, not to mention the thrilling plot will keep you enthralled page after page. This gripping read is a high-fantasy, young adult book which follows 5 teen-aged thugs on a heist-quest with the highest of stakes. The audio book is also genuinely fantastic, as it features a full cast of narrators, meaning there’s a different voice actor for each main character, adding immensely to the whole vivid, cinematic experience.
Carry On and Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell
This one is for all of you out there, who are looking for that book which reminds you of the whimsical and magical world and adventures of Harry Potter. That’s where Rainbow Rowell comes in. This book originally appeared as snippets in one of her earlier novels, ‘Fangirl’, about a college-aged girl who writes fan-fiction about her favourite book series. However, after popular demand, Rainbow Rowell really made this story her own and ran with it. Her books still follow the same whimsical and magical, chosen-one vibes, but with a completely different story-line and a much more diverse and complex cast of characters. So, if you’re into the kind of book which follows a young teen with especially extraordinary abilities, as he just tries to fit in with the rest of his magical friends while also saving the world on a daily basis and dealing with normal teenage drama, then this is the book for you!
If you have any other recommendations for books to read to lighten the mood these days or to help distract us from this brutal reality, then please feel free to leave a comment under this post! Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to check out my bookstagram page for more book recs and ramblings.
Words by Alison Egan 