Quarantine Reading List (For Any Mood)
Sometimes all you need to make your problems disappear is a good book. (Okay, okay, I know that doesn’t quite apply when we’re in the middle of a pandemic sh*tshow.) But we can still embrace the spirit of that juicy summer read — we’ll just be on our patios and in our beds instead of at the beach. If you’re like me, you probably feel stuck on an emotional rollercoaster that you can’t seem to escape (no matter how hard you try).
To honor those totally valid emotions we’re all cycling through, I curated the perfect summer reading list. This list includes books to match your quarantine mood of the moment, whatever it may be. So get all up in those emotions, then let yourself get lost in a good book. Cheers to that (all-too-brief) period of respite!
The Ultimate Choose Your Adventure: The Avec David Quarantine Book List
If you’re feeling anxious…
This Will Only Hurt A Little, Busy Philipps
You may know Busy Philipps as a quirky and relatable Instagrammer, but you’ll absolutely adore her after reading this raw and powerful memoir. Her writing is naturally funny and engaging even as she touches on tough topics like anxiety, sexual assault, and the challenges of parenting. Her perspective on life will both calm you down and uplift you.
If you want a laugh…
Self Care, Leigh Stein
Contrary to what the name makes you think, Self Care is a smart, satirical take on an industry that pushes products under the guise of personal well-being. You’ll laugh out loud at Stein’s depiction of She- E-Os and startups (even if you’re cackling while wearing a face mask and using your jade roller). Best of all, Stein’s topical subject matter will have you pondering your own wellness purchases long after you close the book.
If you want to be inspired…
Becoming, Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama may be the former First Lady, but her memoir proves she’s far more impressive than any one title. You’ll be moved by her story of growing up on the South Side of Chicago and her determination to become someone who gives back to her community. Obama’s profound insights and willingness to contemplate her life experiences make for a rousing read.
If you need a good cry…
The Vanishing Half, Brit Bennett
At the center of The Vanishing Half are runaway twin sisters whose paths diverge as they navigate issues of race, identity, and trauma. You’ll find yourself immersed in Bennett’s masterful writing and rooting for the twins as each undergoes a journey of self-discovery. Bennett’s book is a powerful meditation about the ways in which skin color can shape every aspect of life — and an eye-opener for those of us with the privilege of blissful ignorance.
If you need an escape…
Daisy Jones and The Six, Taylor Jenkins Reid
Daisy Jones & The Six will transport you to the 1970s and draw you into a wild world of rock'n'roll, drugs, and chaos. The plot is loosely based on Fleetwood Mac during their time recording Rumours, one of the top ten highest-selling albums of all time. Whether you’re a fan of the band or not, you won’t be able to put down this juicy story that’s being turned into a miniseries for Amazon.
If you’re creatively frustrated…
Writers & Lovers, Lily King
Writers & Lovers is the perfect choice for creative types. In protagonist Casey you’ll discover an incredibly relatable character who grapples with whether she wasted the six years she spent working on a novel and if she’ll ever be able to pay off her student loans. It’s impossible not to become engrossed in Casey’s journey of discovering her self-worth and confronting personal tragedy.
If you seek a thrill…
Catch and Kill, Ronan Farrow
Catch and Kill has a plot so captivating and outlandish you’ll think it’s fiction. Farrow shares the many twists and turns he experienced as he pursued stories of Harvey Weinstein’s predatory behaviors. This page-turner will leave you in disbelief about the seedy underbellies of news reporting and Hollywood even as you appreciate the author’s uncanny ability to interject humor when it is needed most.
If you want to read then binge…
Little Fires Everywhere, Celeste Ng
Two complex families lie at the heart of Little Fires Everywhere. When their worlds collide, the reader gets swept up in family drama that includes sibling rivalry, missing persons, and fire. You’ll stay for Ng’s unique plot and nuanced characters, and find yourself surprised by how she chooses to end the story. Once you’ve finished the book, treat yourself to the Hulu miniseries.
Did we miss any must-reads?
Let us know. Maybe we should start a book club?