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Are you self-quarantining? Have classes moved online? Are you working from home? Just plain bored and need something to do? Now is an excellent time to catch up on some reading! No worries – I’ve done the work and compiled a list of good books to read in case you need an escape from all the stressful media about the coronavirus.
Whether you’re self-isolating, under quarantine, or simply in need of an escape from all the people who keep panic buying all of the toilet paper and hand soap, here’s a list of 14 good books to read while you wait out the coronavirus!
So, ready to start reading?
- Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman
This is the kind of book you easily connect with because it’s so full of honesty and emotion. Kiko, a half-Japanese teenager, struggles with a toxic mother, social anxiety, and a fear of being unremarkable. After not getting accepted into her dream art school, her best friend and childhood crush invites her to leave her small town and toxic relationships, and make opportunities for herself. Now free to be her own person, she learns about her heritage, how to be brave, and how to embrace her true self. (Read my full review HERE.) - Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert’s Story by Debbie Tung
Tung’s sweet, humorous, and utterly relatable comics throw light on life as an introvert in an extroverted society. Each panel leads us further through her journey of embracing her introversion and finding peace and quiet in a noisy world. (And if you’re actually enjoying the self-isolation right now, you’re probably an introvert, so this is totally the book for you!) - Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Cline’s bestselling first novel (with a film of the same name) is about a teenager who has removed himself almost entirely from reality by pursuing an “easter egg” in a video game called OASIS to win a billion-dollar prize. This is a fascinating story for gamers and non-gamers alike. - Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
The first book in this series is so cute and fun and adventurous! There’s a flair of mystery, and a bunch of teen romance to take your mind off of all the scary happenings in the world. - A Curse So Dark And Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
This Beauty and The Beast retelling has a dark twist to it, guaranteed to keep you hooked. Definitely worth the hype. As most of you know, Kemmerer is one of my favorite authors. Her writing style is incredible, and the story and characters will pull you into this dark and mystical adventure. (Read my full review HERE!) - Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
A classic, and for good reason! The nameless heroine narrates her tale of marrying wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, and moving to the beautiful estate of Manderley only to find loose threads of the puzzling truth surrounding Mr. de Winter’s former wife, Rebecca. As she begins to unravel the mystery behind the tragic accident that led to Rebecca’s death, she realizes there are more questions than answers as to why Rebecca’s memory still haunts the residents of Manderely. - Song For A Whale by Lynne Kelly
This middle grade book is a treat for all ages. A story about a deaf girl’s connection to Blue 55, a whale who is unable to communicate with his species, this is a fresh new tale sure to grab your attention. Plus, the cover and illustrations are beautiful. A great premise, an eye-catching cover, and brilliantly real characters – what could be better than that? - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Another beloved classic from a renowned romance author! Lots of wit, satire and drama. And of course, Mr. Darcy. “In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” With quotes like that, no wonder he’s a book boyfriend to so many. - Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck And Fortune by Roselle Lim
Lim’s debut novel is full of magic, family, friends, and food. Her descriptions of food are mouth-wateringly amazing – you’ll probably be craving dumplings and rice afterward! It’s one of those good books you’ll read over and over again (and with the coronavirus going around, there’s plenty of time to do that). Read my full review HERE, then order your copy with one-day shipping (because who wants to wait?) or rent/buy the ebook version from Libby or Kindle! You can also preorder Lim’s second novel HERE! - Within These Lines by Stephanie Morrill
This historical novel, set in 1941 during the Japanese relocation act, takes a heartfelt look at racism and the mistreatment of Japanese-Americans after Pearl Harbor. The story is told from the points of view of an inter-racial couple (a Japanese-American and an Italian-American) who write letters to each other during the separation when holding true to their values and believing in love to bring them back together seems impossible. You can read my full review HERE. - The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig
Pirates. Time travel. Magical ship that can go anywhere, real or fictional. Need I say more? If you’re looking for some adventure while you’re stuck in your house, this book is exactly what you’re looking for! - Shadow And Bone by Leigh Bardugo
With the nearing arrival of the Netflix series, why not get in on the action by bingeing the Grishaverse trilogy? Or, if you’ve already read the series and need a refresher, do a reread! - Sky Without Stars by Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell
Once promising hope, the planet Laterre is now polluted and ruled by the elite while the poor starve. When a rebel group rises up to take action against the broken system, three unlikely heroes must play their part if the revolution is to succeed. Sky Without Stars is the first book in an exciting series which reimagines Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. - Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
A gorgeously twist-y novel with a unique writing style, Three Dark Crowns is the first installment in a brilliant fantasy series about triplet sisters who are born queens with the powers of poisoner, elemental, and naturalist who must fight for the crown. On the night of their sixteenth birthday, the queens begin their battle. The sister who survives takes the throne. Sound like your cup of tea? Good news – the fourth and final book in the series was released in 2019, so binge away!
Now is not the time to panic. If anything, self-isolating is a great opportunity to escape into a good book. Reading lowers anxiety levels, gives you something new to focus, and is an overall comfort in these stressful times. So get to reading!
Share your favorite books in the comments below, and chat with me over on bookstagram at @disappear_in_ink! Hopefully you’ve found some good books to read while we’re under quarantine for coronavirus. Stay safe out there! ♡
I’ll be checking some of these out. Thank you for the wonderful suggestions ❤️
Yay! Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoy, and stay safe!