Social Distancing: Books to Read during Corona Virus Lock-down

Giving all that’s going on in the world right now, you might be in need of a little comfort or maybe even an escape from reality. A good book can give you just that. Right now is the perfect time to bury yourself deep into another world, temporarily forgetting all the anguish and uncertainty this outbreak has brought. As the coronavirus pandemic only seems to be escalating, most of us are driven mad finding ways to keep entertained at home. So dig up that old novel that’s been sitting on your shelf for what seems like forever. Or why not revisit an old and trusted favourite. Or go nuts and find something completely offbeat altogether.

Luckily, we don’t even have to leave our homes to get access to great books anymore. I’ve ordered a bunch from Amazon the past few weeks – and with contactless delivery by the delivery men as of late, you don’t have to worry about unnecessary interactions. Here’s a list of some great books (along with purchase links) to get you started.

Becoming

By Michelle Obama

The former first lady, Michelle Obama, beautifully depicts her growth as a women in this witty and emotionally raw memoir. Michelle has referred back to writing Becoming as a deeply personal experience for her. Beginning with her roots, the author re-examines her life to identify the true discover of her voice and how she became Michelle Obama. The memoir covers her young life, life in the White house and becoming a mother, each has had a distinctive role to play in the making of Michelle.

Michelle’s life lessons are depicted well throughout her memoir. Becoming encompasses both poise and principal, inspiration and heartbreak. The blend of Michelle’s personality shines through as simultaneously admirable and lovable as she contests with the challenges of African-American woman of the time, while still revelling in life as any ordinary young girl would.

As the reader you’ll embark on a rollercoaster of emotions, from amusement to anguish all the way to rage at times, as you get a glimpse into the making of the woman that is Michelle Obama.

Th memoir is linked below to buy on Amazon - no need to leave your house!

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The Tattooist of Auschwitz

By Heather Morris

I cannot recommend this book more. I fell out with reading for so many years and this is the novel that reignited my love with books. If ever this is a book you can’t put down this is the one. I finished the entire novel in one day on my holidays last year, I was left with no books to read for the entire week!

Based in 1942, the story follows Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, who is sentenced to the concentration camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau during WWII. Lale, seems to be given some blessing in disguise when he is selected as the Tätowierer (tattooist) for the camp. During his time as the Tätowierer, Lale meets a young woman Gita, whom he finds himself is unequivocally drawn to.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz strikingly depicts the harsh realities of life for thousands of prisoners. Morris beautifully illustrates these dark times showcasing the depths and strength of love through such cruel and distressing circumstances.

Once again I'll leave a link below to purchase.

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Cilka’s Journey

By Heather Morris

This sequel to Tattooist of Auschwitz is based on a character we meet in the original, Cilka Klein. The author this time brings us on the journey of Cilka’s life after Auschwitz-Birkenau. Cilka is one of the young woman who survived Auschwitz, by means that will haunt her forever, only to find herself once again imprisoned within the confines of a labour camp. Only this time Cilka is sentenced to Sibera, and once again she must do everything she can to survive. (Link below to buy and get delivered to your door.)

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Game of Thrones

By George R. R. Martin

If you really want to be kept busy over the next few weeks, and you’re already a fan of the HBO series Game of Thrones, then I seriously recommend starting these novels. Each and every is as immersive as the one before it, a completely different story telling experience than anything else I’ve read. A Song of Ice and Fire has merited George R. R. Martin repeatedly, even referring to the author as “the American Tolkien” in Time magazine.

As far as fantasy sagas go, few come close to the scope, depth, and attention to detail of George R. R. Martin manages to embody in his novels. I thought these books would be my worst nightmare, as I wouldn't be a fan of fantasy usually. But I was so pleasantly surprised and loved each one.

The entire monumental collection is linked below.

Hopefully some of these will keep you busy over the next few weeks!