Books to Read in Quarantine (ft. some amazing bloggers)

Almost all of us are stuck in quarantine right now, unable to work, go out, or do anything other than sit at home and worry. I have been doing a lot of baking, watching Netflix for hours on end, writing, and reading. Honestly, there isn't a better time to get some reading done than right now. I decided to reach out to some fabulous book bloggers and ask them to contribute a quarantine book recommendation! So without any further ado, here is a list of books you should read during quarantine from some of my favorite bloggers. 

claire at clairefy 

becoming by michelle obama

Finding inspiration while at home can be difficult. Sometimes, a little motivation can go a long way. Michelle Obama's Becoming offers that motivation, as well as a reminder of the importance of family-- both born of blood and composed of community. In thoughtful and reflective prose, Ms. Obama describes how she has developed as an individual. Even as a young student, she was goal-oriented and sought to fulfill a plan: graduate college, head to law school, work at a firm. However, Ms. Obama realizes that she desires different work, even if it deviates from what she had initially planned. Her later efforts, spanning increasing diversity and outreach at the University of Chicago to bettering nutrition programs at the White House, will inspire readers. This memoir was one of my first reads during this period of social distancing and certainly left me with a lot to think about.

emily at paperbackprincess

station eleven by emily st. john mandel

So my pick for a quarantine read would be Station Eleven by: Emily St. John Mandel. I can confidently say that this is my all-time favourite book. This book does revolve around a pandemic, so I was in two minds about recommending it during our current times. However, if anything, I have wanted to re-read it more since being in isolation. This book is about hope, healing, and the power of friendship. Different storylines intertwine in the most amazing ways. Of course, if you don’t want to read about a flu during this time, I totally understand. But, this book and its teachings have definitely helped me get through some of my toughest times. It’s just beautiful. 

sonya at wolfrosereads

six of crows by leigh bardugo

Although it is now one of my favorites, I remember being shocked with how much I fell in love with Six of Crows. It was my first time reading a Leigh Bardugo book and I only knew what the synopsis told me about the plot. Well, I quickly learned that the synopsis did not do the book justice. This YA fantasy is so much more than just another heist story. There are tons of plot twists, and it will have you running the streets of Ketterdam by the end. 

vivien at pages of wonderland

starfish by akemi dawn bowman

Starfish is an unknown gem. Those who have read this book or Bowman's other books know how special they are: emotional, beautiful writing, and visceral characters. This is an #OwnVoices novel and it follows and artistic teenager's journey to accept her heritage and self-worth. There are many parts of the book that will make you cry: her relationship with her family, how she perceives herself, etc. Quarantine is the best time to read this novel because no coworker or random passenger taking public transportation will see you ugly cry. 

me, myself, and I

skyward by brandon sanderson

I personally know that Skyward is the perfect book to read during quarantine because I read it myself just a couple of weeks ago. Brandon Sanderson's first YA novel is action-packed and will engross you in the story. Hours will pass by without you even realizing it. Spensa has grown up with one goal: to become a pilot and to see the stars like her deceased father. However, her father betrayed his crew and was branded a coward during the last big battle, leaving his family as outcasts. But spunky, stubborn Spensa is determined to make her dreams come true and expose the truth about what truly occurred in that fateful battle. When I finished this book, I put it down immediately wanting to pick up the sequel. Skyward is compelling and features impeccable world-building, along with complex characters. Oh, and did I mention the talking space ship?

A big thank you to Claire, Emily, Vivien, and Sonya for contributing to this post! Go check out their blogs, which I have linked with their names.

What are you reading during quarantine?