What’s a mom to do with the news that her kids are home for 3 weeks straight? There are a lot of ways to answer that question, but I’m going to talk about my favorite thing to do while being stuck at home, reading!
Now I know you can’t do this all day long and ignore your kids, but after they go to bed, or during their nap (I wish!), or while they are engaged in another activity (if you are lucky and they are old enough maybe they’ll even pick up a book too), are great times to pick up a book. Now, unfortunately during this Corona-inflicted time home, the library is closed. However, there are lots of other ways to get books. E-books, audiobooks, borrowing/trading books with friends, or purchasing at an online or in-store book are all good options. My favorite place to buy if I can’t borrow a book is eBay. If a book isn’t brand new, you can usually find a great deal from a second-hand seller.
Now to the good part of the article- the recommendations. I’m going to recommend some specific books and authors that I think are a great choice to pass the time while you are stuck at home:
Thillers:
Thirteen-by Steve Cavanagh. Thrillers are some of my favorite books to read, and this legal thriller kept me HOOKED. It is part of the Eddie Flynn series by this author, and are others that have the same character you can read as well. The cover of the book gives away the basic plot “The serial killer isn’t on trial, he’s on the jury”, but don’t worry there are plenty of twists to keep you captivated.
Woman in the Window– by A.J. Finn is the story of an agoraphobic woman, Dr. Anna Fox, who witnesses something she shouldn’t when spying on the Russell family through her window. Like many great thrillers in recent times, this book is being released as a movie this year. Read it BEFORE you see the movie because the book is almost always better!
You Are Not Alone- by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. I’m actually in the middle of reading this and recommending it because I’m speeding through this book. These ladies have 2 additional collaborations I’ve read, and they also both come highly recommended by me. This suspenseful story revolves around lonely Shay Miller, who meets two sisters who she’d do anything to feel like she part of their inner circle.
Women’s Fiction:
Oona Out of Order– by Margarita Montimore. I just finished this book a few days ago, and it was such an intriguing concept, I had to include it. The title character, Oona, actually lives her LIFE out of order. The book starts at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, which coincidentally is Oona’s birthday. She is supposed to be turning 19 but wakes up in a 51-year-old body. Each year, she jumps to a different year of her life, hence the book title, Oona Out of Order.
Anything by any of these authors:
Marian Keyes, Emily Giffin, Elin Hilderbrand, Jennifer Weiner, Kristin Hannah, Jane Green, Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty.
I read a lot of contemporary women’s fiction, so I couldn’t narrow it down to just a few books, so I decided to list a handful of authors that I read anytime they release a new book. I think they are some of the best writers in women’s fiction (sometimes called chick-lit). I’d honestly recommend any books by these authors for someone looking for contemporary women’s fiction.
Young Adult:
Wonder– by R.J. Palacio. Many people have likely seen this movie, about Auggie Pullman, a boy born with facial differences that kept him out of school until the 5th grade. Even if you have seen the movie, the book is definitely worth the read and will tug at your heartstrings.
One of Us is Lying- by Karen McManus. This book kept me guessing until the end and would be great for someone who was a fan of the show, Pretty Little Liars. The story involves a group of 5 teenagers in detention (reminiscent of the Breakfast Club), although one of them doesn’t make it out alive. You spend the rest of the book trying to find who who-done-it.
Non-Fiction:
Just Mercy- By Bryan Stevenson. This is based on the true story of Walter McMillian, who was sentenced to die in 1987, even though there was a plethora of evidence that proved his innocence. The book also discusses many other cases that Stevenson has taken through the years. Honestly, I was emotional reading this book hearing about some of the injustice people face every day in our legal system. This book was also just recently released as a movie.
Oh Crap, Potty Training- By Jamie Glowacki. A book about potty training may not be my favorite book, but it sure was helpful. If you’ve been thinking about starting potty training, now is a great time to start. The book recommends staying at home a lot at first, so what better time than now if your kiddo might be ready?
Kids’ Books:
This is a whole article in itself. So, I’m not going to make any specific recommendations in this particular article. However, I am going to make a suggestion. If your child is old enough, encourage them to take some of this time at home reading. If not, just take time to read to your kids, or let them tell the story of what’s happening via the pictures.
I hope you like these suggestions, and please leave any suggestions you have for me or others to read below. I am a huge reader, and I’d love to hear what YOU are reading!
