As coronavirus continues to keep the world on lock down, it’s become apparent that there’s only so many nature walks, board games and Netflix a person can handle. If you’re looking for a new way to spend your time, try cracking open a book literally or virtually. Here are some of the best books to give a read.
NonFiction
“Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World’s Greatest Nuclear Disaster” by Adam Higginbotham
Read to discover the true, never been told story of the events that started that night in the control room of Reactor No.4 of the V.I. Lenin Nuclear Power Plant. This novel not only relives one of the most devastating events in history but breaks down the political and economical demise of the U.S.S.R.
“The Yellow House” a memoir by Sarah M. Broom
Set in New Orleans, Louisiana, Sarah M. Broom writes of 100 years of family history tied to their yellow house. From Broom’s mother raising 12 children in the house with a mind of its own to its eventual demise in Hurricane Katrina, this memoir covers issues of place, class, race and inequality.
Fiction
“The Need” by Helen Phillips
While home alone with her two children, Molly is forced to protect them when an intruder breaks into their home. What appears to be a normal break in turns into a high paced thriller that proves how far a parent is willing to go for their children.
“The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead
Set in the 1960’s Jim Crow era, ”The Nickel Boys” is a fictional take on a place that was all too real. Following a pair of teenage boys during their time at an inhumane Florida reformatory, they picture what life as colored adults will be like. From the author of the Pulitzer prize winning ”The Underground Railroad,” comes a story of the unrealistic hope and broken dreams of colored teens.
Young Adult Contemporary
“Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell
While an older book, ”Eleanor and Park” is still highly regarded as one of the best young adult reads.Set in the late 1980’s, follow along as two misfits following different paths through life find an unexpected, heartbreaking first love.
“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
A groundbreaking story on racial discrimination and police brutality told through the narrative of a 16 year-old girl stuck between her high class mainly white privet school and her lower-class minority filled neighborhood. An inspiring story on the importance of speaking up for what you believe in, “The Hate U Give” is an eye opening read.
Series
“The Grishaverse” by Leigh Bardugo
While not one set series but instead three taking place in the same world with a total of seven books and growing. “The Grishaverse” opens the door to a Russian inspired fantasy world never experienced before. From following one girls’ destiny to be the light bringer to her people in The Shadow and Bone Trilogy to the unlikely group of teenagers hired to pull off an incredible heist in The Six of Crows Duology to the Nikoli Duology. Fall in love with a large, diverse cast of characters before the debut of the Netflix series Shadow and Bone this fall.
“Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas
This eight book series follows trained assassin and prisoner Celaena Sardothien in her journey from fighting to be the king’s champion to reclaiming the crown she believed was gone. Filled with mind-blowing plot twists, far warriors and action packed scenes, Sarah J. Maas ends every book with you wanting more.
