Read any good books lately? With a little extra time on our hands at home these days, we’re hoping to do a little less scrolling and little more reading. With that in mind, we asked you all to share some of your favorite reads with us on Instagram, and you came through in a big way. If you’re in the market for a new book to enjoy over the next couple of weeks (to help you escape from the news for just a few hours!), here are some suggestions and a few words from your neighbors:
The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah: Kristen Hannah makes you feel like you are right there with her characters in this heartbreaking and inspiring WWII novel. Make sure you have some free time when you start it because you won't be able to put it down, also some tissues might come in handy!
-Lorinda Huntington (@lorindakae)
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid: You will be easily drawn into this singer and group through their careers, loves and lives. Daisy is a character who you will remember and be infatuated with.
-Daniel J. Gibbs (@d._gibbs)
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates: A fictitious tale from Ta Nehisi-Coates who usually writes important non-fiction must reads. Set during the times of slavery, with some fantasy elements with Harriet Tubman making appearances in the book, too.
-Daniel J. Gibbs (@d._gibbs)
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón: Set in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, this mystery has it all: books, love, history and many thrilling moments. Escape into this thriller and be transported to another time in Spain.
-Daniel J. Gibbs (@d._gibbs)
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng: I loved the characters and the little surprises throughout the whole book....this author is an amazing storyteller. Holds your attention from the first page to the last...!
- Debbie W
The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen: Sarah Addison Allen’s books, although especially The Peach Keeper at the moment, are my escapist comfort (re)reads in stressy times.
- Jen Sain
Arguing with Zombies by Paul Krugman: Gearing up for the election season, I’ve been reading Paul Krugman’s Arguing with Zombies to help me understand both sides of politics. :) And I have more time to read it since the library extended its return policy!
- Sean Palladino (@seanpalladino)
Crucial Conversations by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, Switzler: A crucial conversation is when there are opposing opinions, high stakes and strong emotions. They happen at home, at work and with friends. This is a great book that gives you tools on how to navigate through tough talks resulting in stronger relationships and better production.
- Caroline (@carolinenyctrainer)
Escape to Erie’s End by Wade Vermeersch and Pamela Muntean: For Jay, Val, Vern, Meg, Dave and Jess it will be a summer of discovery, both beautiful and tragic. Follow their adventure into the turbulent waters of adolescence… It’s all walks on the beach and bonfires until the waves come crashing down on their whirlwind summer.
- @waderlikesmedia
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris: The Tattoist of Auschwitz captured us because it was about the power of love through difficulty. It’s hard to put down, and when you do you’ll be thinking of the characters. It’s Historical Fiction, but based on a true story.
- Amanda and Erinn
Make Something Good Today by Erin + Ben Napier: Make Something Good Today is a loving memoir by HGTV Hometown’s Erin and Ben Napier. It reminds readers that all good things come with hard work and makes them believe that what’s meant to be will always find a way. I’ve read this book multiple times and still find it so inspiring!
- Hannah Smith (@prettymuchhan)
The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep by H.G. Parry: Perfect for literature nerds! The premise is that characters from a variety of novels (from Dickens to the Brontes to Roald Dahl) have come to life and have to join forces to defend their existence. I loved getting to revisit some beloved characters in a new way, and seeing them interact with other characters in the modern world. I suppose its genre would be sci-fi/fantasy, which I don’t normally go for, but the literary aspect of it was too attractive to resist.
- @andreaverna30
Winter Hours by Mary Oliver: The final chapter of Winter Hours is everything to me right now. Oliver manages to help us understand that we don’t have to go anywhere in order to travel great distances. Our spiritual and creative work can be more than enough to sustain us for a lifetime.
- @kittycantz
Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple: I bought this book because I needed "today to be different" on that day. The story was easy, relatable and hopeful. In the monotony of these days, it might do the trick!
-@fortidays
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck: There's a reason it is a classic. If you haven't read it, this could be a great time. Story of hardship, survival, perseverance and triumph. You're guaranteed thoughtful introspection right to the end.
-@fortidays
Voyage of Mercy by Stephen Puleo: My brother in law just published his 7th book this month - the story of America's first humanitarian mission which was during the potato famine in Ireland.
-@fortidays
…from @tristatallon95: If you like biographies, I’d recommend First: Sandra Day O’Connor by Evan Thomas and Jon Meacham’s bio about George H.W. Bush. For fiction, The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah is a favorite, and Finding Dorothy is another great read. A favorite classic of mine is The Good Earth by Pearl Buck.
If you have any suggestions to add, feel free to leave them in the comments below! Happy reading!
P.S. Don’t forget to check the digital catalog at Crandall Library for e-books!
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