4 Best Books To Read While Quarantined

As most of the world is under lockdown, it might be tempting to spend your days scrolling on Instagram, watching YouTube videos, or endlessly refreshing the news. And while it’s important to stay connected to friends and updated on the latest information, spending too much time looking at screens and consuming an overwhelming amount of information can be detrimental for our wellbeing. Try taking a break from the screen, brewing yourself a cup of tea (or coffee) and settling down to these best books to read while quarantined.

1. The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

First published in 1988, The Alchemist follows the tale of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd, who longs to travel in search of worldly treasures. This book has sold over two million copies and for good reason. Why is it perfect for a quarantine? Firstly, as the story follows the journey of Santiago, the descriptions of traveling new places will allow you to transport yourself out of your house to lands far away while still following the rules of the lockdown. Secondly, while the writing and story are enticing and engaging, the story also inspires you to follow your dreams. The Alchemist has undoubtedly changed the life of many people, so what better time, than when being stuck at home, to be entertained and inspired.

You can find the Alchemist here

2. The Plague – Albert Camus

Seeing as we are all hiding out from a virus, why not entertain (or scare) ourselves with stories of epidemics gone by. The Plague is arguably one of the best-known novels about epidemics. Set in North Africa, it tells the story of people affected by a, you guessed it, epidemic. Camus writes in detail about what life was like in a big city during a quarantine, so we can relate, commiserate and make ourselves feel less alone. Another reason this book is great to read during the quarantine is because it talks about the importance of coming together, and retaining our sense of humanity and community, which is something we all need to remember.

Get your copy here

3. King Lear – Shakespeare

While King Lear doesn’t actually have anything to do with a pandemic, Shakespeare is thought to have written this play while in quarantine from the Plague. This is a timeless story of a family struggling between greed and cruelty on one hand, and with support and consolation on the other—perhaps reflective of the current stockpiling we’re seeing in grocery stores around the world. So dust of your old High School Shakespeare books, and dive into perhaps one of the most moving of Shakespeare’s tragedies.

Revisit a classic here

4. A New Earth – Eckhart Tolle

A New Earth is arguably one of the best self-help books to pick up right now. The premise of the book is helping to turn suffering into peace. The book addresses many types of suffering such as anxiety, jealously and sadness. We are currently living through a time of unknown and this can lead to increased feelings of anxiety, stress and sadness, so if you’re feeling slightly overwhelmed this book is ideal for you. Through examples and accessible exercises, Tolle helps you shift your perspective and find your purpose.

You can buy it here

What are the books you can’t wait to read while you’re stuck at home?

Also by Louise: I’ve Been In A Long-Distance Relationship For Years—& I Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way

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Photo: Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash