Whether you’re quarantining in the Wendt or sitting in your room on a Saturday wishing you could go to a frat party, odds are the pandemic has given you a lot more free time. If scrolling through Tik Tok isn’t satisfying your boredom, try curling up with one of these must-read books.
1. The Color Purple by Alice Walker. This is my favorite book of all time. Written as a series of prayers and letters, the novel reflects on issues of race, sexuality, womanhood, religion, domestic violence, and so much more. It was also turned into a beautiful Broadway show and film, so check those out!
I want to note that Alice Walker is an open anti-Semite and has used her platform as an author to promote antisemitic ideologies. Because of this, I often feel conflicted about recommending her novel. The Color Purple is an important book and, to my recollection, does not touch on Judaism or antisemitism. That being said, if you can, borrow the book from a friend or from the library to avoid supporting the platform she uses to promote hateful ideas.
2. The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn. If you’re looking for a page-turner, this book is for you! Based on Alfred Hitchcock’s film Rear Window, The Woman in the Window is about an agoraphobic woman who sees something she shouldn’t. Anyone who enjoys mystery novels or thrillers will love this book. It’s incredibly nerve wracking and intense. I promise, you won’t be able to put it down! In addition to being a fun read, it was turned into a movie last year.
3. Untamed by Glennon Doyle. Glennon Doyle’s most recent memoir about womanhood, mental illness, and sexuality is filled with amazing, empowering life advice. It’s easy and fun to read, and you’ll find yourself wanting to underline everything. When I’m having a bad day, I flip to a random page in the book, and almost always find Doyle’s stories and life lessons comforting and reassuring. If the pandemic has you feeling a little lost, this is the book for you!
4. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Just Mercy is a powerful and important book about America’s mass incarceration crisis and broken criminal justice system. In his memoir, Stevenson reflects on his work defending those unjustly convicted of crimes and founding the Equal Justice Institute. This deeply educational and emotional book is essential for everybody to read. It was also recently turned into an amazing movie starring Michael B. Jordan.
5. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. This fascinating book covers all of human history, exploring how the distant past shaped our personalities, societies, and environment. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook — Derek Perkins’s voice is incredibly calming, and the book is captivating. Plus, it gives you amazing fun facts to share at dinner!