Reading books have always been an escape for me, they allowed me to leave all my problems behind and live in another world, if even for a few hours. If you’re like me then I’m sure you’re reading a lot more while we all stay safe inside. If you’re not… then you should!
My new friend Ambriana sure is and this post is a collab with her! One of the books on this list was recommended to me by her. Make sure you check it and her blog out! She tells you all about the book and its author, so give it a read and tell her hi in the comments for me!
Roxane Gay is a renowned author and Difficult Women is such an underrated book. It’s an anthology of fictional short stories about all the complexities and hardships women go through. I laughed and cried while reading this book, and more importantly I felt a little bit less alone. Be warned there is some intense subject matter.
I haven’t read this one yet, but Empty Bottles Full Of Stories is a poetry chapbook recommended to me by blogger Ambriana. I could tell you all about it, but she has a better perspective! Read her post about it here.
Becoming was one of the top-selling books in 2019. It’s a memoir about the life of former (and forever) First Lady Michelle Obama. As soon as I saw it was coming out, I pre-ordered it on Amazon, best decision ever! The novel details her life from beginning to present and is so inspiring. If you haven’t read it, you need to!
A few semesters ago, I joined a book club and one of the first books we read was Behind Closed Doors. It’s a psychological thriller that you won’t want to put down. I finished it in one day! The story is about a perfect marriage gone wrong and I promise you won’t expect the ending.
The Silent Patient is another psychological thriller. It’s about a therapist who treats a famous artist who murdered her husband, but everything isn’t as it seems. This story had so many ups and downs and to this day I still don’t quite understand everything that happened. A mystery of the ages!
Screwtape Letters is nothing short of a classic. While it is religiously charged, you don’t have to be a Christian to understand or enjoy this book (although some of the biblical references may be lost on you like they were on me). The book is written as a series of letters between an uncle and nephew, two demons working in the corporate world that is Hell. It provides some thought-provoking insights to morality and human life.
The title of this book caught my eye one day as I was strolling the aisles of my local library (yes, those still exist) I haven’t quite finished this one, but I was really enjoying it! Kwitney writes about a divorced English teacher who finds passion and herself after loosing the one she loves. Full of dry humor and fast banter, it may not be to everyone’s taste, but I sure did find it funny! For all the hopeless romantics out there, this one is for you.
Now, before I get into this book, I will say it is quite thick and sometimes more than a little boring. However, I included it on the list because it is a literary classic and also because it’s about the everyday musings of a man in isolation. I read this for class several years ago and I find myself thinking about it sometimes, especially now. Even if you only skim through it, there’s interesting philosphy on every page.
ELizabeth Acevedo is a New York Times bestselling author. While her book may considered YA, it’s a nice story for anyone to enjoy. With the Fire on High is about a teen mother who loves to cook works to find a balance between her desires and her obligations, something we can all relate to. A heartwarming coming of age novel with more than a few delicious recipes included!
This book completely changed me. Beyond the story itself, Emezi’s way of writing is indescribable. It follows the life of Nigerian immigrant, Ada, who develops multiple personalities. I felt like I knew the characters in the novel and I could relate to everything that was going on, even when I couldn’t. If you’re someone struggling with finding your place in the world, or with yourself then this book is for you!
These books are perfect for long days filled with nothing but boredom. I know I’ve enjoyed the ones I read, and hopefully you will too! Comment below a book on your to-be-read list or let me know if you’ve read any of the books on this list. Make sure to follow everywhere online @kaevynlei to see what else I’m reading!
Wishing you good books and washed hands,
Kaevyn
