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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.
In 2019, I read and loved Madeline Miller's newer release, Circe. It was one of my favorite books that year and frankly, of all time. I am a huge classics nerd. It started off with reading the Percy Jackson series as a child and had developed into a fascination with all things ancient. My minor in university is classical studies. So I was obviously stoked to pick up The Song of Achilles, which is Madeline Miller's debut novel. I expected to love it, of course, but I didn't expect it to make me emotionally unstable.
In January, I shipped myself off to Edinburgh, Scotland. It was not only my first solo trip, but my first trip out of my home country. I was filled with a jumble of emotions: excitement, fear, hope. This trip was the starting point of life's big adventure. Due to the current pandemic situation, I was called back home mid-March by my home university, effectively cutting my study abroad session short. I spent two and a half months living in Scotland, which is half the time I was meant to be there for. I miss it and although I am disappointed that I had to return home, I had the time of my life. I made memories and friends that will stick with me for the rest of my life, and I am so grateful for that opportunity.
Last year I broke down and read Holly Black's extremely popular series, The Cruel Prince and its sequel. I found them to be very fun reads and highly enjoyable, but not perfect. Nevertheless, I had high hopes for the final installment in the trilogy, The Queen of Nothing. But I was ultimately disappointed with this book. I listened to the audiobook version since I am now in Edinburgh and spend a lot of time walking around or on the bus. The audiobook was definitely very nice and I recommend it for those who prefer that format. But the content within was lackluster. Also, this is a spoiler-free review!
Raise your hand if you waste way too much time endlessly binge-watching shows on Netflix? I am one hundred percent guilty of this. Truthfully, Netflix shows help me procrastinate doing my university work. But especially now that there is a pandemic occurring, people are in need of some quality distractions. I myself am self-quarantining after returning home from Scotland and have spent all of my time watching movies, YouTube videos, reading, and playing the new Animal Crossing. So here are some awesome shows to watch during this odd time of life.
In case you missed the memo, I am currently studying abroad for a semester in Scotland! I have had the most amazing time so far, from visiting the Edinburgh Castle to sitting in the cafe where J.K. Rowling first wrote Harry Potter. Speaking of Harry Potter, my childhood love for the series has been reinvigorated since coming to the place of its conception. So when a Harry Potter themed tour of the highlands popped up, I just had to go. I also vlogged the experience if you want to give that a watch.
I just realized today that I have been writing 2019 on all of my school papers for the past few weeks. For some reason my brain simply refuses to accept that is indeed a new year. But it is not just a new year, but a new decade. I was nine years old when 2010 began and I will be turning twenty soon. Obviously, a lot of the books I read at the start of the decade will not be included here (hello, cringey dystopian/vampire obsessed tween Erin). In fact, I am only including the best books that I read in the past ten years that were also released within the decade.
