[sc name=”affiliate_disclosure”]
Has there ever been a better time to get ahead with your reading challenge than when you’re told to stay at home? Social distancing can be tough but with a good pile of books by your side (or loaded up on your Kindle) it can make things easier. Books provide the perfect form of escapism and with that in mind here are 21 books you need to read while social distancing.
Book recommendations
1. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
2. Spies by Michael Frayn
3. Any book by C.J. Tudor
4. M.J. Alridge’s DI Helen Grace series
5. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
6. Anything by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
7. The Craftsman by Sharon Bolton
8. The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
9. All the Harry Potter books
10. The House Beneath the Oak Trees by Faye Belle
11. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
12. Any Emma Caroll books
13. The Outsider by Stephen King
14. How to Stop Time by Matt Haig
15. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
16. All Sarah Waters books
17. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
18. We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler
19. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
20. The Quincunx by Charles Palliser
21. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The best authors
You’ll have noticed on my list that there are 5 authors where I’ve recommended all of their books. That’s because I couldn’t pick one single book from them as all of their work is brilliant.
C.J. Tudor is a relatively new author with three books under her belt, her latest novel is on my to be read pile but if her first two are anything to go by then I know I’ll love it, there’s a definite Stephen King vibe from her work and her books are so gripping.
The DI Helen Grace series by M.J. Alridge is a fantastic crime series, I find these book super easy to get into so if I’m in a slump I’ll usually go to the next book in the series as I know I’ll instantly get into it. I’m usually not a fan of book series but I love this one. You do need to read them in order though.
Carlos Ruiz Zafon is one of my absolute favourite authors, his books just blow me away. They’re nothing short of perfect. You’re instantly transported into the novel and he’s just such a fantastic story teller. I’ve never been disappointed with anything of his.
Emma Carroll writes young adult novels but they’re so good, if you’re a fan of historical fiction then you need to add some Emma Carroll books to your collection. They’re easy to get into and generally quite easy reading but they’re really enjoyable.
Sarah Waters is another fantastic author, I’ve only ever had one book of hers that I couldn’t get into which was Affinity but every other book has been amazing, The Night Watch would probably be my favourite if I had to pick just one.
As for all the other books, they’re all ones I’ve read over the last few years and highly recommend. There’s a good variety of genres in that list so there should be something for most people.
I’ve always loved reading, I find it relaxing and the best why to escape every day life. At this moment in time, things aren’t normal for anyone and we could all do with something that takes us away from reality at the moment. I hope you find a little bit of escapism with one of these books.
Leave a book recommendation in the comments so we can all add to our reading lists!
Pin this:
There are some books on this list I want to read! I may do a bit of reading today as I haven’t had chance all week.
That sounds like a good way to spend a Sunday!
Some great suggestions here! I’d recommend Wonder, The Book Thief, Harry Potter and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine too!
Thanks, they’re all great books.
Hola,
I wanted to read all the Harry Potter books during lockdown too. But my sister has the books. She is living in the Netherlands and I live in Belgium. The borders were closed so still didn’t start reading them. Great list of books. And I love your website.
Adriana
Oh no! I hope you get to read them soon.
Thanks!
been looking for a few book recommendations this quarantine, thanks for sharing will definitely check some of these out!x
FATIMAH • ROSEYGOLDBOX
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy the books.
Hope you find a book you love!
I’ve only heard of a handful of titles on this list. Thanks for the recommendation! I am currently reading Ta-Nehisi Coates’s ‘We Were Eight Years in Power.’ I am gonna add some of these titles to my TBR pile now.
I hope you enjoy them!
Will be pinning this list. Thanks
Thank you!
You’ve got some great recommendations here, and a few that I haven’t heard of before. I love that you included the Harry Potter books – those are definitely on my ‘must read’ list when people ask too… Confession: I’ve read them a few times by now lol I am going to check out some of the titles that are new to me. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve read them quite a few times too! I hope you find a great new book!
I cry so much at Tuesday’s With Morrie!
I read the Book Thief. It’s a great summer read. Thank you for sharing your picks. This is a great list.
Thank you!
I looove your post, I believe we have the same fav genres woo-hoo! Thanks for sharing! 📚❤️
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for the list! I’m glad to see some of my favourites on here (and some new picks that sound interesting)
I definitely recommend checking out any of the books that are new to you!