For most of us, going to college means taking a break from reading for pleasure. Online schooling, however, is a whole new ballgame. If you’re like me and have oodles of new time on your hands, maybe it’s time to hit the books.
- Five Feet Apart by Rachel Lippincott with Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis
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Or should it be six feet? Maybe you joined the “Five Feet Apart” fanbase when the movie came out in March of 2019 or maybe you’re new to Stella’s story. Either way, I’m sure this novel will hold new meaning for all of us in this new age of social distancing.
- The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
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Yet another cinematic sensation, “The Hate You Give” explores the implications of police brutality and the subsequent quest for social justice. Follow the story of Starr Carter as she struggles with finding her voice after the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend.
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
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“Little Women” is my lady jam and a worthwhile reread. In this coming-of-age tale, you get to walk alongside the March sisters as they forge their way in the world. Plus, you can find this story in a free PDF format! And Emma Watson is in the new film adaptation, so what are you waiting for?
- Emma by Jane Austen
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Does declaring Jane Austen as my favorite author make me basic? Probably. Will that stop me from reading “Emma” for the tenth time? Absolutely not. There’s nothing like a Victorian novel to satisfy your romantic needs. Despite the cancellation of its theater debut due to Covid-19 closings, you can find the newest “Emma” adaptation on Apple TV and Amazon Prime. If you’re looking to save a buck, then the 1996 version may fit the bill!
- An Ember in the Ashes Series by Sabaa Tahir
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If you’re still a sucker for a dystopian novel like me, then this is certainly the series for you even though it doesn’t have a film adaptation yet (fingers crossed). “An Ember in the Ashes” is one of my favorite series by far because it is so refreshing. Sure, the dystopian genre may have been oversaturated by certain tired tropes, but I can assure you that none of those will be found here. If you fall in love with the series, then you have something new to look forward to! The fourth installment is being released on December 1, 2020!
- Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs
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Most of us have probably read excerpts of “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” in high school history classes or American Literature courses. Either way, I am a firm believer that Harriet Jacobs’s autobiography is a great way to put our situation in perspective.
Sure, staying at home isn’t ideal. Being sad or mad about our current situation is totally valid, but I think it is important to remind ourselves that the situation could always be worse. Take heart and know that if Harriet Jacobs can live in a crawl space for seven years, we can survive a few weeks or even months in the comfort of our homes.
Stay safe and get to reading!