My Quarantine Reading List
During the last 90-something days of lockdown, I’ve been reading a lot. Is it more than my normal amount of reading? Who knows. I’m a bookworm by nature, so I’m always reading! Still, I’ve been tearing through books and I get asked for suggestions a lot so I thought I’d share what I’ve been reading over the last two months and what I’ll be picking up next! Here’s what’s on my quarantine reading list!
The Crazy Rich Asians Trilogy by Kevin Kwan
Technically I read these on holiday in the week immediately preceding the lockdown but I really enjoyed them so I’m including! This trilogy of books (the first of which inspired the film by the same name) is hilarious, and offers a rich (lol) and colorful look at a different world. I sped through them all so if you’re looking for a bit of light reading that will entertain, these are a great option!
The Muse by Jessi Burton
I read this book for the first time last year I think? I don’t remember exactly, but I really enjoyed it. It tells an intertwining story along two separate timelines, and I was hooked from the beginning! It’s 1967, and Odelle Bastien starts a job as a typist at an art gallery… a lost masterpiece with a secret history is delivered to the gallery, and those secrets hit closer to home than anyone realizes.
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
I 100% confess that I bought this book because I was seeing it everywhere on my Instagram. If ever there was a book to add to your quarantine reading list, this one is it! It’s funny and heartwarming and honestly, I tore through it. I might read it again before long! “Tiffy and Leon share an apartment. Tiffy and Leon have never met…”
Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín
The film adaptation of Brooklyn is actually what inspired me to read the book. I loved the film and related so much to the story of Eilis, a young Irish woman who emigrates to Brooklyn in the 1950s. The book was even better! It was a lovely read, and there are some lovely details that don’t always come across in film!
The 24 Hour Cafe by Libby Page
I thoroughly enjoyed Libby Page’s first book, The Lido, so I was pretty excited to read her follow up. It’s told from multiple perspectives and flashbacks, but all over a 24 hour period in a cafe near Liverpool Street. I think the cafe itself is real (though not in name) but I have to admit, I didn’t love it. I felt like it lagged in places, and I didn’t entirely find myself caring too much about the characters.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Would you believe this is my first time reading this classic? I knew some things about it, having seen various adaptations (and of course, that episode of Friends when Rachel and Joey read each other’s favorite books) but had never read it. I was hooked from the beginning and see how vibrant and wonderful the characters are!
America for Beginners by Leah Franqui
I read this book last year, and again early on in Quarantine. The story of a trip across America told from the perspective of three characters: Pival, a recent widow who has left India for the first time to find her son; Satya, her tour guide and a recent immigrant himself; and Rebecca, a failing actress who signs up as Pival’s modesty companion to help pay her bills. It was a compelling story from start to finish, and I really enjoyed it.
Up Next on the Quarantine Reading List
Instagram is a great place for book suggestions, and these are some that have caught my eye and I’ve ordered! Having a pile of books by my bed is always lush, and I’m excited to dive into these…
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I read my first Taylor Jenkins Reid book earlier this year, and I was curious about this one, having seen it mentioned so many times by others. I’m interested to see how it all plays out!
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
Another book that came highly recommended, GWO tells the stories of 12 characters, mostly Black and British, so I was sold. Not gonna lie, the cover is pretty dreamy too!
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
I was warned by multiple people that this is a heavy read, but that it’s very good, so I’m prepared, but looking forward to reading!
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
This book was recommended by someone who follows me on Instagram, though with the warning that it’s a sad one. So just mentally preparing myself, but it sounds like it’s gonna be a beautiful, heartbreaking read.
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
I don’t remember exactly where I saw this recommendation but I was intrigued by the premise. Two families, living right next door to each other, and the aftermath of a shocking night.
Swan Song by Kelleigh Greenberg-Jephcott
I spied this book on Instagram and did a quick Google. Long story short, I’m very here for a book about 70s socialites. Can’t wait to crack this one open!
Expectation by Anna Hope
A recommendation from The Anna Edit (I’m always taking notes on what she’s reading) and it sounds wonderful. A group of friends living in East London over the course of 10 years? I love these kinds of stories!
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
On my reading list since I spied it in Waterstones years ago, I thought it would be time to give this one a read!
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
I really enjoyed Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere, so adding her first novel to the list was a no brainer. I really enjoy her writing style, so I’m intrigued to see how this one goes!
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Another book spied on Anna’s read list, and snapped it up. I do love a good book where you can see characters grow up over long periods of time! It’ll be my first time reading Ann Patchett as well!
The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer
The cover got me ages ago but I never got round to picking up a copy. I’m giving it a go this time! The title totally caught me, and I’ve had it on my list for ages!
Dominicana by Angie Cruz
A pseudo-coming of age tale set in my hometown? I’m 100% here for it.
I pretty much always have a to-be-read list that’s 15 books deep and these are just a small selection of them! There’s a page in my bullet journal that has several more. Still, I can’t wait to get through these delightful books. Even if it does take me til the end of quarantine, or the end the year!
