Quarantine Reads

Hello readers. I hope you are all staying at home and staying safe and healthy during these Corona times. “This too shall pass” is what everyone has been saying. But the best way to pass time this quarantine is to read books and expand your knowledge base.

It’s both useful as well as time consuming. When you literally have nothing else to do post your daily routine, books can truly be your best friends. I personally find it very therapeutic. I made a compilation of some of the best quarantine reads and separated them into categories for you to skip to the one you’re interested in.

Let’s start with my favorite category – Non Fiction. I often include Self Help also into this bucket.

21 Lessons for the 21st Century – Yuval Noah Harari

“Humans were always far better at inventing tools than using them wisely.”

― Yuval Noah Harari, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century

Last time I mentioned Sapiens as the best book ever written. It still holds true and this one is a neck to neck competition. Also by the same author, this is a must read, especially during such times of global crisis and economy ecology impacting pandemic. As always Yuval Noah Harari opens the mind of the reader with simple straight forward on point facts. It’s a scary reality check, which we need sooner than later.

Spark Joy – Marie Kondo

People who know me well know that I am a cleanliness freak. So me being an ardent follower of Marie Kondo is no surprise. The book is about the Konmari method of tidying things at home, work space and life in general. Reading this book during quarantine is a blessing in disguise. It forces you to get the clutter out of your life and attain great peace of mind. This was my daily therapy and I’m sure I’ll emerge to be a better person post this lock-down.

Animal Farm – George Orwell

“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”

― George Orwell, Animal Farm

Well technically it’s fiction. But meaningfully it’s not. It’s a subtle satire by George Orwell about the class system and communist ideas of the yore. Although the book dates back to 1945, the analogies are still on point and easy to relate to the current capitalist, socialist and communist society.

The Moment of Lift – Melinda Gates

Melinda Gates writes this book with true passion. I was thoroughly surprised knowing about her journey and hundreds of contributions to the world. She is a true feminist is every sense of the word. I am truly a fan after reading this book. Women empowerment, equal pay, gender inequality and what not; There is not a single women oriented issue that she has not touched in the book, let alone tried to solve it in reality.

Next up is the another favorite category of mine – Autobiographies. I generally prefer auto biographies in audio formats, read by the authors themselves. That way it’s more funny and authentic. These books usually make great companions while doing daily chores. You can listen to them and need not pay too much attention as well.

Bossypants – Tina Fey

“Do your thing and don’t care if they like it.”

― Tina Fey, Bossypants

Tina Fey is one of my all time inspirations. She is a mother, actor, director, stand-up comedian and writer, sometimes all at the same time. I always connected with her intelligent humor and it’s interesting to read about her journey from her childhood to her time at SNL up until she became a director. Sure, it’s an old book, most of you might have already read it. But those of you who haven’t please do so right away.

Yes Please – Amy Poehler

How I can I talk about Tina Fey and not mention her bestie – Amy Poehler. Amy, like Tina, has had a lot wonderful journey in writing, acting, direction and stand-up comedy. Both of them mention each other all the time in their books. Both books are kind of similar in the format and if you enjoy reading one, you will like the other too.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? – Mindy Kaling

Next in line is Mindy Kaling. Now that I think of it, I think I have an inkling for books about comedians and more importantly female comedians. I liked this book primarily because of two reasons – one because, as a fellow immigrant, I celebrate Mindy Kaling’s tremendous success and two, man she is funny. She shares stories from her time in Boston, where her life was literally like the movie Mean Girls, and stories about her immigrant parents and about her time at The Office. If you like Kelly Kapoor, you must read this book to know her origins.

Born a Crime – Trevor Noah

“If you’re Native American and you pray to the wolves, you’re a savage. If you’re African and you pray to your ancestors, you’re a primitive. But when white people pray to a guy who turns water into wine, well, that’s just common sense.”

― Trevor Noah, Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood

This is Trevor Noah’s childhood in a funny, bold, sarcastic book. He talks about the Apartheid in South Africa, blending it into various episodes of his childhood, each involving a wonderful memory about his mother. If you know Trevor Noah or if you follow his shows, you should read the book. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get an audio book for this one, but I could hear him speak in every sarcastic line and naughty story mentioned in the book.

Dear Girls – Ali Wong

Ali Wong is another inspiration of mine. Her humor is definitely not for everyone because she is too bold at times, not to mention gross too. Her shows are like that and so is her book. Do this read book, but only if you connect with Ali Wong, otherwise please skip this. The bratty teenager doesn’t shock you much but, you will be surprised to get to know the warm motherly side of her.

Funny You Don’t Look Autistic – Micheal McCreary

This book is about the journey of the popular comedian Micheal McCreary. He is a Canadian stand-up and you would’ve figured out from the title that he is autistic. He talks about funny stories from his childhood and teenage years of coping up with autism. I did not know about him or his shows until I read his book. It sure has left me curious to watch him perform.

Seriously, I’m Kidding – Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen was seriously kidding about this book. It’s a 3 hr long audio book by her rambling on about absolutely nothing, going in circles about anything that crossed her mind at that time. It’s a great book for white noise.

Lastly, the Light Reads and the Rom Coms

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman

“If someone asks you how you are, you are meant to say FINE. You are not meant to say that you cried yourself to sleep last night because you hadn’t spoken to another person for two consecutive days. FINE is what you say.”

― Gail Honeyman, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

This was the first book that I read this year and it completely took me by surprise. I mean what writing!! The writing style and narrative paragraphs are so unique. Not to mention, the character itself is peculiar yet relatable, funny yet emotional, brave yet shy. It’s a mix of all emotions sprinkled with innocent humor all over. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and highly recommend this.

Turtles All The Way Down – John Green

Aza Holmes the lead character reminded me so much of myself when I was 16. I did not manifest the fear of the human microbiome like her, but I sure almost always experienced the emotional turmoil she goes through with the keeping on or ripping off the Band-Aids. The character development is what gripped me till the end, with the story taking off and reaching unexpected twists.

Everything, Everything – Nicola Yoon

After a long time, I thoroughly enjoyed reading a good love story. It’s a simple teenage love story about a fragile girl, who will likely die if she leaves her house because of her existing condition and how she finds love under such extremities. This books takes you back to your first love and its freshness.

Well, that was my list of quarantine reads. Also, if you haven’t done so already, I suggest you finish reading some of the classics like The Invisible Man, Romeo and Juliet and The Art of War.

That’s all for this blog. Apologize if it was too lengthy and hope I gave you a good list to ponder and decide. Subscribe to the newsletter and make this official. Check out more books to read here. Check other stuff like food, movies and places here.

Happy Reading Y’all.  Stay Home. Stay Safe