Top 5 Quarantine Reads

Friends! It's been a minute since I've taken the time to write a post on here. I apologize. Now that I have all the time in the world, I am trying to use it to be productive and create! I had an idea to share with you some of my favorite books to keep you busy and thinking about something other than the world's situation at the moment. Books can transport us to another world, which is why I've dedicated to several hours of reading per day while stuck in quarantine. Still can't believe this is our situation right now but, I am hopeful that when this passes, we will all be thankful for this extra time to do things we otherwise wouldn't be able to do. And with that... lets jump in!

1. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

This coming of age story is unlike any other that I have read before. It includes the story of young Kya is she navigates growing up alone. While fending for herself, she must learn how to make a living and learn without a traditional education. Her love for nature gives her life and curiosity. This is a story about life, love and even murder. It splits between two time periods that intertwine as you reach the end of the novel. I cannot recommend this book enough, once I started, I couldn't stop finishing it in less than three days. Once you're done, it will be all you can think about for days.

2. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

If you like a good thriller, this one kept me occupied from page one. The book starts with some bizarre circumstances and as Lo leaves for an exclusive trip on a cruise ship, things just get even more bizarre. The ship is beautiful and luxurious but when Lo suspects a fellow passenger has gone overboard, she has to take investigating into her own hands. I usually can predict endings of mysteries/thrillers but this one was so unique even I couldn't have predicted it.

3. The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez

Okay, my next pick has a special place in my heart because the author was actually my boss for over two years!! I loved reading her debut novel! This is definitely a rom-com type novel and if that's your jam, I couldn't recommend it enough! The story follows Kristen, a no drama, loyal af friend in the process of planning her best friend's wedding when she meets Josh. He's funny and sexy and Kristen thinks he is the perfect guy when he doesn't run away from her hard sarcasm and hangry outbreaks. The only problem is, Kristen can't have children and Josh wants a family someday. This book will have you laughing and in tears, what more could you want!?

4. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Everyone in the town of Shaker Heights is talking about how Isabelle, the youngest of the Richardson children, burned down her home. But before we know that, we must go back to when Mia Warren and her daughter came to town and rents a property that the Richardson's own. Soon Mia and her daughter Pearl become more than just tennants... all the Richardson children are drawn to the mother daughter pair. When a family friend of the Richardson's attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, a custody battle erupts with Mrs. Richardson and Mia on opposing sides. This drives Mrs. Richardson to dig up Mia's mysterious past which causes little fires to emerge everywhere.

5. Becoming by Michelle Obama

I will preface this by saying, I really admire Michelle Obama. Ever since she was the First Lady I wanted to know about her life before the Obama presidency. This book is separated into different parts around different parts of her life; childhood, adulthood, and now. She invited readers to grow up with her on the South Side of Chicago, through college and law school. She tells the stories of how she met Barak, and his journey to presidency. Her story is an amazing one, and this book inspired me to work hard and go for all those big dreams that I have too.

Happy reading!!

-Meg