8 books to read while social distancing
We should technically be saying physical distancing, because social distancing implies that you’re cutting all social ties.
Which, you’re not! You can still be social. However, for those moments when you don’t feel entirely into being social, we have books.
And I mean….lots of books.
My house is overflowing with them, I can’t help it, there’s *always* another one on my list. It just keeps growing and growing, and even though I’m already having a hard time keeping up, I still want more.
It’s a bit much – I’ll take a moment to apologize to my husband. Sorry, Tim!
Anyways, if you follow my book Instagram (yes, I have a book Instagram, that’s how much I love books), you already know this about me. SO, let’s get to the goods, right? Here we go, 8 books to read while social distancing.
Mr Salary
Mr Salary is a really nice ease back into reading if reading hasn’t been a favorite hobby of yours. For those who aren’t in that camp – Mr. Salary is 100% worth a read. It’s short and sweet, and is a perfect way to kick off your new Rooney obsession. Trust me, you’ll love her.
Red, White, and Royal Blue
What hasn’t been said about this one? Gosh, Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston completely stole my heart. I fell in love with love – is that a thing that can happen? Well, it did. Casey singlehandedly made a statement in mainstream media – love is love (don’t we all know that by now?). Follow along as the first son of the United States falls in love with the Prince of England. You heard that right. Dare I say they went from frenemies to lovers? YES! Yes, I do.
The Two Lives of Lydia Bird
Does the name Josie Silver look familiar? You may know her from her stellar debut novel, One Day In December, which warmed hearts across the globe. The Two Lives of Lydia Bird is said to follow a darker theme of loss and love, yet still elicits those same illustrious reviews from fans.
Commonwealth
In need of family drama that’s not yours? Great, Commonwealth by Ann Patchett is just the ticket. It’s a character-driven novel that spans generations, starting with an adulterous kiss and ending years down the road having covered life, loss, forgiveness, concessions, and love.
Conversations with Friends
Now that you’ve eased into Sally Rooney’s writing with Mr Salary, it’s time for Conversations With Friends. Conversations is actually my *favorite* Sally Rooney book. Ugh, it’s just so good. It’s a poignant, realistic look at love and the ramifications it has on those involved.
The Great Alone
This one tore me down and built me right back up again. I’ve never been a fan of tearjerker books. Never. Yet, my friend Amanda convinced me to read this one (it took her months – MONTHS to do so) and boy was I wrong for putting it off. When I finally got to it at the end of 2018, I realized it was my favorite read of that entire year. It was my first Kristin Hannah book, and now I’m busy putting the rest of her books on hold at the library (errr….for when they reopen). Do yourself a favor now and GET THIS ONE if you want to really escape our current landscape.
Wild Game
Wow oh wow, this was our first Literary League pick and it was a total hit! Ironically enough, while we’re a nationwide book club that primarily reads fiction, we started our adventure with a non-fiction book, lol. Yet, this one reads like a fiction novel. It was C-R-A-Z-Y. I mean come on….a well-to-do woman from New York City and the Cape convinces her young daughter to help her pull off a yearslong affair with her husband’s best friend? COME ON. It was wild – hence the title. This is a rapid-fire read so put your seatbelt on and enjoy, my friends.
Yes No Maybe So
The cutest meet-cute in YA literature (don’t be scared off by the YA – this one is a gem and is perfect for adults, too). Jamie and Maya go way back, like wayyyy back. However, it’s a citrus avalanche at Target that brings them back together as young adults. They start canvassing for a liberal candidate (which here in Atlanta is a challenge) and lo and behold, love happens. Yes No Maybe So was inspired by a real congressional race in Georgia so if you’re looking for an uplifting politics tie-in, this is it.
I know that social/physical distancing may be an introvert’s dream, but I hope the extroverts will enjoy this little list of books to read while social distancing is a MUST. What’s at the very top of YOUR book list?
Stay safe, wash your hands, stay healthy. Stay. Home.
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Definitely going to read a lot of those! Thank you so much for sharing that with us xx