Books to Read When Staying Home
Due to everyone being encouraged to remain home, we thought it was time for another book recommendation list. We chose primarily books that are a bit more lighthearted and less tragic so if that’s what you’re looking for during this chaotic time, we hope you enjoy!
- Waterfall by Lisa Bergren
- This is a YA, sort of historical fiction, sort of fantasy time travel series set in Italy. Two sisters end up making an unexpected discovery on their mother’s archaeological site. Such a discovery sends them back in time to medieval Italy. Great pick for lovers of historical fiction with a dash of romance. Plus, it’s the first in a trilogy, so it’ll keep you busy for a while.
- Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
- If you’re more of a contemporary lover, this could be the book for you. Leo Borlock is a normal high school student just struggling to get by and avoid being noticed. That is until the eccentric Stargirl moves in. This is a charming novel about being yourself and loving others for being who they are. Perfect for people who prefer shorter novels.
- The Princess Bride by William Goldman
- Nearly everyone has seen the whimsical, humorous adaptation of this equally wonderful novel, but not all have read it. Definitely a fun, light-hearted read that will take you away from the stress of the current situation.
- The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
- For lovers of fairy tale retellings, this is a wonderful YA retelling of the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale of the same name. It tells the story of a princess named Ani who is off to meet her betrothed for the first time. On the way, however, her lady-in-waiting leads a mutiny, stripping Ani of her identity and taking it for herself. Definitely a fun choice for people of all ages.
- Airhead by Meg Cabot
- A science fiction YA following Emerson Watts, a nerdy high schooler who falls victim to a strange accident. An accident that ends up changing her forever. Kind of a vague synopsis, I know, but let’s just say that those who enjoy conspiracy theories, celebrity lifestyles, and strange medical experiments will enjoy this trilogy.
- The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski
- Another YA trilogy that follows a clever girl who ends up purchasing a slave in an attempt to save him. Definitely a very binge-able series full of politics, strategy, and romance.
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Mixing it up with a middle grade novel that has become very well-known, particularly with the film adaptation having been released a few years ago. This follows a young boy born with a facial deformity as he enters public school for the first time. Definitely an emotional read but never fear, there is a happy ending. Honestly a great read, regardless of your age.
- My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows
- Another pick for lovers of historical fiction, this is a humorous and fantastical retelling of the story of Lady Jane Grey. For those who haven’t heard of her, Lady Jane Grey was queen of England for only nine days before Mary Tudor took the throne. Fair warning though, this is not a historically accurate story. In fact, the hilarious authors of this particular novel decided to throw in some shapeshifters. And for those who love Jane Eyre, the second novel in this companion series, My Plain Jane plays with her story as well.
- Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah
- A great adult, contemporary novel following a psychiatrist whose reputation has been ruined due to the choices of one of her patients. Julia is on the verge of giving up when her sister gives her a strange call. Apparently a six-year-old girl has recently appeared in her hometown and seems to have no understanding of how to communicate. This is such a beautiful story full of messages of both sisterhood and motherhood.
- Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy
- For those classics lovers out there, this is a wonderful Victorian novel following the independent Bathsheba Everdeen. Bathsheba is an orphan with a good education and little else. That is until her uncle passes away, leaving her his entire estate. As she rises in the world, three suitors begin to appear in her life, forcing her to make some life-changing decisions. With one of the most independent and fascinating female characters in Victorian literature, this is a must read for lovers of that time period.