In Lifestyle

My Quarantine Guide: Books to Read

Hi friends!

I hope you are staying sane & healthy during this weird time. We’ve been staying home (as I hope all of you are too) and been focusing on work, exercise, cooking, and trying to stay calm. One of my favorite past times, whether during quarantine or not, is reading. I have been getting a lot of messages about books. Even though, I have a book highlight on my Instagram, I wanted to share my list in a post. I’m including my favorite past reads, as well as what’s on my list to read.

Also stay tuned for more quarantine guide posts to come!

Favorite Books I’ve Read

Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering

One of my most recent reads, I read this book in a few days. The story bounces back between two characters, Lucy & Stephen throughout college & life after in NYC. It is a twisted love story about the wrong guy…

Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, & Me by Adrienne Brodeur

This was another recent read and I was SHOCKED at this book! Based on a true story about a mother who involves her 14 year old daughter in her love affair and the years that follow. I couldn’t put this book down from the moment I started it. I heard a rumor it may be made into a movie & I really hope it’s true!

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

“With courage, grace, and powerful insight, bestselling author Kristin Hannah captures the epic panorama of World War II and illuminates an intimate part of history seldom seen: the women’s war. The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France―a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women.” [source]

Even though this book was very emotional, it is one of my favorites books because of the beautiful story. The Nightingale is also becoming a movie soon!

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

I read this book two summers ago and it was CRAZY! From the first page, you are instantly hooked, and must keep reading to learn more about the con artist main character. This thriller shares secrets upon secrets and you won’t want to put it down.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Another all time favorite of mine. This beautiful historical fiction is about a young girl that has survived years all alone in the marshes of North Carolina. I don’t want to give anything away but trust me when I say, read this book!

Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

This is quite the psychological thriller. A women is accused of killing her husband and after she does it she doesn’t speak a word for YEARS. She is committed to a mental hospital, where a therapist takes a strong interest in her. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat!

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

A quick read about a rock band in the late 60s. I read it last summer and remember telling a friend that it’s a mix between the movies, Almost Famous & A Star is Born.

How to Murder Your Life: A Memoir by Cat Marnell

I read this memoir a few years ago and it still remains one of the craziest stories I’ve read. Cat Marnell is a beauty editor at Lucky magazine and has a major secret; she has a huge drug problem. She shares the ins, outs, ups and downs of her life (including “doctor shopping” for prescription drugs).

Crazy Rich Asians Trilogy by Kevin Kwan

I know this series is a few years old and the first book was made into a movie you probably have already seen. However, even if you saw the movie and didn’t read the books, I recommend reading this fun series!

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

It has been about 6 or 7 years since I read this book, however, it still remains one of my favorites. A friend recommended it and I downloaded and started reading without even reading a summery about it. To be honest, if I would have, I probably wouldn’t have read it because it wasn’t my typical lighthearted book but I LOVED it. The story follows 3 women during World War II with very different experiences that somehow intermingle. It is a beautiful book.

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

I love how this book bounces back and forth between two characters. The first is the grandaugther in 2017 who goes to Cuba to spread her grandmother’s ashes and the second is her grandmother in 1958 before she left Cuba. My dad’s family is from Cuba so I loved this story. The second book When We Left Cuba, was also good.

Educated by Tara Westover

Another incredible memoir about a young girl who grows up in a Mormon household in the mountains of Idaho. Her father keeps her from going to school (and out of mainstream society), yet one day she decides to leave her family to attend college. At age 17, she had never even stepped foot in a classroom.

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

Just finished this book and loved it.

“Lydia Quixano Pérez lives in the Mexican city of Acapulco. She runs a bookstore. She has a son, Luca, the love of her life, and a wonderful husband who is a journalist. And while there are cracks beginning to show in Acapulco because of the drug cartels, her life is, by and large, fairly comfortable. Forced to flee, Lydia and eight-year-old Luca soon find themselves miles and worlds away from their comfortable middle-class existence. Instantly transformed into migrants, Lydia and Luca ride la bestia―trains that make their way north toward the United States, which is the only place Javier’s reach doesn’t extend. As they join the countless people trying to reach el norte, Lydia soon sees that everyone is running from something. But what exactly are they running to?” [Source]

Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

A British couple heads to Bora Bora on their honeymoon and a dive trip quickly changes the course of their lives. I read this in a few days and it was so entertaining with a great twist at the end!

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

One of the craziest stories I have read in long time. It has really stayed with me. Very dark and disturbing story about a 15 year old girl who has an affair with her 42 year old teacher.

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

I love historical fiction World War II books but haven’t read too many World War I stories. I loved this story about the amazing women in a spy network that helped relay information about the Germans.

The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine

I read this book in 2 days and just had to find out what happened! I loved the twist at the end, didn’t see it coming at all!