I was stuck in a reading rut for most of fall and spring of 2019-2020, but once the pandemic started and we were given so much more time at home, I finally was able to hit the books again. Reading has always been my favorite pastime, but with school and work, I couldn’t find the time. This quarantine (aside from being the very obvious curse that it is) is actually a blessing in disguise for my reading time. The following five novels are my favorite quarantine reads; some new, some tried and true, but all 100% recommended.
1. Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer
I don’t think I can begin to explain the pure euphoria that coursed through my veins when this book came out. Based on the original story of the first Twilight book in the saga, this novel is written from the perspective of Edward Cullen and follows the series of events through his eyes. The number of tears, swooning and exasperation that occurred while reading this novel is immeasurable. Whether you are a Twilight fan or not, I recommend that you give this book a read because it is genuinely so well written, and the story is a cult classic.
2. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
While remembering the story of Little Women briefly from my childhood, those memories were reignited when I watched the beautiful live-action featuring Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet, Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan and Laura Dern. Watching the film made me want to reread the novel, and that was probably one of the best decisions I’ve made in 2020. The story is just so wholesome, so endearing, so heartfelt and so bittersweet. I guarantee laughs and cries if you decide to give this book a read.
3. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Cult Classic. Timeless. Undying. All-time favorite. Jane Eyre really is that novel. I’ve carried this story with me ever since I was in elementary school, but somehow every time I go back to it I depart having learned something new. This story fills me with so much nostalgia and content that I can willingly admit that I’ve read it over 7 times.
4. Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare
I swear my high school English teachers didn’t put me up to this. When I say that I enjoy Shakespeare, I genuinely mean it! This story is one of my favorites and I love going back to it because of how short and light it is. Comical yet still prevalent, this play is definitely in my god-tier recommendation list.
5. Veronika Decides to Die by Paolo Coelho
I don’t think anybody is surprised at the fact that a Coelho novel ended up in this list. All of this man’s books have been there for me at different stages of my life, and this one was definitely a quarantine staple that made me get further in touch with myself. I 100% recommend if you want a good cry.
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Pinterest!