5 books to read during COVID-19

May 8, 2020

One of my favorite things to do is read. I often set these lofty goals for myself, like “read 50 books in a year.” I love it so much, so naturally, during a global pandemic, I’m coming to you with 5 books to read during COVID-19.

Maybe now’s the time that you pick it up as a hobby, or you finally read the book that you’ve been meaning to read. We all have busy lives, I get it. But maybe now is the time to slow down, take a minute, and just lose yourself in a really good book.

I have a few that you can kick off your quarantined reading with, so without further ado, here’s:

5 Books to Read During COVID-19

1. Unexpected, by Christine Caine

Rating: 10/10 would recommend

Price: $15.16

Link

I can’t recommend this book enough, as I’ve actually led a small group on it. It’s a book that builds you up in faith when it comes to facing troubles in your life or difficult times.

It’s jam-packed with stories that will lift and inspire you to dig a little deeper into your faith and explore the promises of God. I cannot recommend enough. I’ve read it three times now, that’s how good it is.

2. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

Rating: 8/10

Price: $16.19

Link

This book is actually really good, and will prep you quite well for when we do get back into the busyness of our lives. It talks about eliminating the need for hurry in our lives and slowing down a bit so that we don’t miss the bigger picture. It’s practical and will give you action items you can take into your life.

I gave it an 8 out of 10 because it was a little slow to start, but once you get into it, it’s a great read.

3. Fire Starter Sessions

Rating: 10/10

Price: $10.99

Link

At my last company, our CMO recommended this book to everyone that she worked with, and I couldn’t recommend it more.

It goes through topics like life balances, mastery & building on your strengths, principles that hold you back, and how we have ambition backward.

It’s a workbook, so it has practical steps that you can take into your professional and personal life. It’s a game-changer, I swear. I highly recommend for anyone feeling in a rut or uninspired during this time of life.

4. The Paris Wife

Rating: 9/10

Price: $9.82

Link

This is the story of Earnest Hemingway and his wife Hadley Richardson. This follows their wedding and their time in Paris together. It talks through his struggles with drinking and pouring himself into a novel, while she is challenged to hold on to her role as a wife and muse.

It has kind of a slow start, but is a charming story and will transport you to Paris in the ’20s for a bit. I recommend it if you’re looking for an escape.

5. It’s Hot in the Hamptons

Rating: 10/10

Price: $10

Link

I devoured this book in a matter of hours, and that’s no joke. It sucks you right in and you just lose yourself in the story that begins to unfold.

It has so many twists and turns, you won’t believe the ending. Again, if you want an escape during these crazy times, I highly recommend this book!

Bonus: Normal People!

Rating: 10/10

Price: $8.59

Link

I don’t know how many of you have seen this show on Hulu, but it’s based on this novel by Sally Rooney. I watched the show before I read the book, and I love them both equally. The show stayed so, so true to the book which was nice. If you want to feel all the feels, rehash your past a little bit, and get lost in this beautiful love story – then I highly, highly recommend this book. I read it within a few hours, as it’s an effortless read.

That’s a wrap! That’s my list of 5 books to read during COVID-19 and in general. I like to read a lot, so I’m always filtering through different books, but these just so happen to be a few of my favorites.

I want to be able to give you a mix of practical/useful, and escapism. If you end up reading any of these books, let me know your thoughts!

Also, if you have any book recommendations, please send them my way! My goal is to read at least 50 books this year, so I’d love to hear what you’ve read and liked. Pin for later!