It is undeniable that the world we are living in right now is difficult and scary. Transitioning to online courses and having to co-exist with your family after living at college for a long period of time can cause unhealthy amounts of stress. As everyone else on the internet is saying, it is crucial to seek out activities and hobbies that interest you in order to keep a positive mindset through this time. One of the best healthy activities to keep your mind awake is reading for pleasure. Here are some reads from a few different genres that will make you want to turn Netflix off when you’re stuck at home:Â
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The Art of Racing in the RainÂ
For all of the dog lovers out there who have already read Marley and Me, this is a great read for you. The story is told from the perspective of Enzo, a golden retriever whose owner is a race car driver. Enzo discusses both the happy and difficult life changes his owner, Denny, endures throughout the time period of Enzo’s life. Although the ending will possibly make you cry like a baby, this story full of love, loss, and companionship make it worth it. Also, an amazing movie was recently released based on this book which is an added plus!Â
The Flight Attendant
If you’re a huge murder mystery fan like me, I definitely recommend this novel. This book unfolds from the perspective of, you guessed it, a middle-aged flight attendant known as Cassandra Bowden. While on a layover in Dubai, Cassandra wakes up with a dead body next to her in her hotel room bed. Afraid to call the police because she cannot remember the previous night’s events, Cassandra continues on as if nothing has happened. She boards the flight from Dubai with her colleagues back to New York City, and they are stopped by the FBI for questioning as soon as the flight lands. Her paranoia evidently drives her mad while she wonders if she could be the killer. So, did she do it? Well, you’ll have to pick this book up to find out.Â
Me Before You
Although I am not a huge romance novel fan, this moving story has a message that will stay with you forever. The book’s main character, Louisa Clark, is an ordinary girl who has barely traveled outside her small village in England. When in need of a job, she gets hired as a care-taker for a paralyzed man named Will Traynor. After discovering that Will was planning to go to an assisted-suicide facility to end his life in 6 months, Louisa decides to take him on adventures to show him that life is worth living. You’ll have to read the novel yourself to see the outcome of their adventures, but the book’s message should remind everyone to take what they can from life and do amazing things with it. This book is in a series of three and was also made into a movie!
Untamed
This one is for any of you looking for a feel-good, empowering read. Glennon Doyle, the novel’s author, reveals the happiness that comes with letting go of expectations that society holds for us. It liberates women spiritually, emotionally and physically by showing us how to trust our own voices. This read is the perfect way to motivate ourselves to be the best women we can possibly be when school, work, and overall life returns to its normal state.Â
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I can assure you there are tons of books out there, and I know sometimes it can be hard to find the perfect one for you. I recommend looking on the Amazon bestseller list for the genre you prefer to find more in-depth recommendations or get in touch with one of your friends who like to read for pleasure! They often give some of the best recommendations, because they will know what you’ll enjoy. Happy reading and stay safe everyone!