I honestly cannot remember the last time that I was forced to sit and do nothing. Just imagine what those in an isolated quarantine must feel like. Don’t take this time in the comfort of your home for granted! If you’re done turning your brain to mush with Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ try turning a new page with one of these books!
Poetry: If you are looking for a good poetry read, Her by Pierre Alex Jeanty has reached 
No. 1 on the New York Times best seller list. Ladies, if you need any words of encouragement or reminders of how great you are, Her is the perfect book for you. Some of the poems describe how a woman should be loved, supported, and cherished. Pierre’s words got me thinking about how I view myself.
Self-help: The Secret to Success by Eric Thomas is a tremendous book that can help motivate you even during these uncertain times. Thomas is a motivational speaker with ten years of experience speaking to audiences around the world. He seamlessly divides the book into three sections for an easy read. The first depicts the hardships he faced during his childhood. The second discusses how he had to look at what led him to where he was. He realized that change needed to happen and that it started with him. In the last section, Thomas shows how he changed and planned to continue to improve. I am always striving to better myself and this book pushed me to try harder.
Historical Fiction: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, is set during
World War II and follows two estranged sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who are trying to endure life in France under Nazi control. Vianne has to navigate life with her daughter when her husband is captured. She hides Jewish children from being sent to concentration camps while Isabelle joins the resistance since she doesn’t have anything to lose. She helps airmen whose planes have crashed escape to Spain where the British embassy is. Because of her efforts, Isabelle is given the code name “Nightingale.” Although this is fiction, people like Vienna and Isabelle existed during the war. You’re bound to enjoy this remarkable story.
Romance: The last book is for those who love reading about well… love! I had to end this on a softer note. Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon focuses on a 17-year-old Madeline with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) or “bubble baby disease.” She has not been outside for the majority of her life. Her life becomes interesting when a new family moves in next door. Madeline befriends their son, Olly. Follow their love story and yearn for more in this young adult romance.
These genres are just scratching the surface of what you can delve into during this quarantine. From encouragement to motivation to getting in your feels, these books will have you turning pages so quickly you’ll forget what time it is. Happy reading!
