10 Books to Beat Quarantine

I love, love, love to read. I tend to read popular books of the moment, the ones chosen by Reese Witherspoon and Jenna Hager for their book clubs. However, I am trying to get better at choosing lesser known books or returning to the classics. I enjoy a quick, entertaining read just as much as the next person, but when I look back on the books I’ve read over the last few months, it was the under the radar books that left me wanting more.

The day I went into labor, I was determined to finish the last sixty pages of my library book. In hindsight, I wouldn’t recommend doing this. I finished the book, but my contractions were close enough together that I couldn’t sit still on the couch. We made it to the hospital, but I underestimated how long (or rather how little time) I’d be in labor.

So, here’s a quick roundup of a few of the books I’ve read over the last year. If you’re interested in seeing more suggestions, I have a highlight on Instagram titled, “Good Reads.” Feel free to message me with recommendations or questions.

Where’d You Go Bernadette? – I read this book on the beach in Siesta Key and I could not put it down. I loved the special relationship between Bernadette and her daughter, Bee. The book was adapted into a movie and while I enjoyed it, the book was better in my opinion. If you like quirky and dialogue that will make you laugh out loud, then this book is for you.

Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup – You’ve probably heard about the failed startup, Theranos and its founder Elizabeth Holmes. Well, hold onto your seat because the author does a deep dive and reveals just how corrupt the company and many of their employees were. I found some of the book to be repetitive, but worth reading.

Where the Crawdads Sing – My favorite book of the year. I cried as I read the last few pages. I can’t explain it, but the book really tugged at my heart. The author is an excellent storyteller and I could imagine the scenes vividly as she described them in the book. This book really lives up to the hype.

The Art of Racing in the Rain – If you enjoy sobbing, then this book is for you. I don’t recommend reading it in a public place. When I found out it was going to be made into a movie, I hurried up and read it at the lake one weekend. Again, the book is better than the movie. Dogs and racing make for an unforgettable love story.

Daisy Jones and the Six – If you like the movie Almost Famous, you’ll like this. I loved the conversational way that it is written. It made me feel like a real life “Band-Aid,” following the band on tour. I read this during our getaway to Canoe Bay in Wisconsin last summer.

Bringing Up Bebe – One of the few pregnancy related books that I liked and the only one that Nick read. I liked the common sense French approach to parenting. I’m not sure how many of the practices I’ve actually used with Lucy, but I plan to re-visit the book as she gets older.

Nothing to See Here – This was a Jenna Hager pick and I loved it. If you read the synopsis, you’ll think it’s crazy, but somehow the book works. The author is witty, lighthearted, and the totally unrealistic premise doesn’t matter.

Evvie Drake Starts Over – Another Jenna Hager book pick – this was straight-up fun to read. I was sad when it was over because I liked it so much. Evvie could easily be your best friend and you find yourself rooting for her to get her happy ending.

The Dutch House – Ann Patchett is a great writer and she does not disappoint with The Dutch House. Tom Hanks narrates the audiobook, so I might go back and listen to it.

Dispatches from Pluto – Crawdads was my favorite fiction read and this was my favorite non-fiction read. I found this book while scrolling through Instagram one day after someone commented that they loved Dispatches from Pluto. I was expecting a book about outer space, but when I Googled to learn more, I was even more intrigued. The author writes about his experience moving to the Mississippi Delta with his girlfriend and the wild stories that result.