If you’re looking to deep dive into some reading now that we have so much newfound time on our hands, you have come to the right place. 

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to change the way we live, we’re spending more time at home than ever before. Naturally there is only so much Netflix or news you can watch, so why not switch it up with one of these quarantine reads. Not only will a great novel give you a much needed escape from reality but if you swap it for constant scrolling just before bedtime, it will also improve your sleep. You can even make it social and get your besties on board for a weekly Zoom book club. Here are our top picks for the most absorbing, beautiful, motivating and engaging books to get you started. 

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman 
Beautifully written and incredibly funny, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is about the importance of friendship and human connection. It’s been a New York Times bestseller, named book of the year and Reese Witherspoon loved it so much she purchased the rights to make it into a film. It’s a story about loneliness, friendship, tragedy and is the most beautiful reminder of how just a little kindness goes a long way. 

If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane
If you’ve ever read a book by Mhairi, you would know that she loves to keep you on your toes with a will-they-won’t-they-romance and If I Never Met You is no different. It’s joyous, comforting, delightful and probably everything we need in the midst of a pandemic. If you want a giggle and a happily ever after, then this book is for you. 

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid 
Such a Fun Age is a big hearted story about race and privilege, set around a young black babysitter, her well-intentioned employer and a surprising connection that threatens to undo them both. The book explores the dynamic between the two women after an ‘incident’ in a grocery store. It’s one of those books that you’re likely to stay up till 3am reading and comes with lots of unsuspecting turns. Buckle up!

Normal People by Sally Rooney
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Stan recently dropped a mini series of this book and the internet has gone absolutely wild for it. This is a story of a young couple and how their relationship with one another shifts and changes over a 4-year period. The story jumps forward minutes, weeks or months so we just get all the best bits that are truly emotionally intense. This is a very, very 21st Century love story. If you read the book or watch the series on Stan, make sure you have tissues close. 

Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Last but not least, we’re going to recommend a self development book because we could all do with some words of encouragement and self love right now. Untamed has been ranked on the New York Times Best Sellers list since its much-anticipated release. It’s a revealing and powerful memoir that explores the joy and peace we discover when we stop striving to meet others’ expectations and start trusting the voice deep within us. Doyle’s motto, “The braver we are, the luckier we get.”