As the worries surrounding the 2020 virus COVID-19 worsen, most are spending their days inside, hiding from the unknowns of the public. In the early days of quarantine, it seemed like an amazing opportunity to relax and get caught up on tasks that were being pushed aside prior to this worldwide pandemic. Although, as the days go by, it feels more and more isolating to be hiding from the outside world. 

While this may be unsettling for most, I myself, have found comfort in reading. Books have always been one of my favorite ways to pass time, and with an abundance of time on my hands, I have had an opportunity to read a few spectacular novels. Here is a quick rundown of some of my favorite reads while stuck in quarantine:

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn is one of my all-time favorite novels. While this book came out in 2018, I find it very appropriate for quarantine, as the movie came out on May, 15 of this year. Also, it details the experiences of a woman, Dr. Anna Fox, as she lives her life stuck in her house due to extreme agoraphobia. The book is filled with twists in turns, as Fox’s seemingly picture-perfect neighbors turn out to be quite the opposite. There is not one dull moment in this novel, and I personally finished it in two days. This book is on the longer side, being 455 pages, but I can assure that it is definitely worth the read.

Straying away from mystery novels is Untamed by Glennon Doyle. Emma Khamo (11) explained “this novel focuses on the empowerment of women,” as it delves into the realities of being a woman in today’s standards. Doyle’s biography was published March 10 of this year and made it into Reese Witherspoon’s book club, proving it to be a hot topic. The emotions poured into this novel have the reader going from crying to laughing hysterically. It only took me a few days to read this book, as it was only 338 pages and I truly count not get enough of it. I especially enjoyed this read, as I find everyone can find themselves in it, not just women. It is an important novel that I think everyone should read, as it discusses important topics that detail the realities of being a woman. 

Next, is a novel I find very suiting for what is happening in America currently with the black lives matter movement. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Ried was released on December 31, 2019, and has truly been a hit since. Reid’s debut novel highlights the story of a young black woman accused of kidnapping the child she is babysitting. It truly depicts the harsh realities of living as a black person in the United States. This novel has you giggling from the author’s strategical whit to tearing up, as it is saddening to watch as the antagonist, Emira Tucker navigates her way through modern America. This novel is 320 pages of rawness and I truly loved every second of reading it. 

Finally on my list is One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus. Once again diving into the mystery category, which is my favorite genre, this book truly had me eager to turn the page. McManus paints a picture of high school students who are all relatable, yet very interesting. The plot of this novel deals with five high schoolers walking into detention, but only four make it out alive. This novel keeps you guessing but never fails to shock the readers. I found myself constantly gasping as I turned each page. While it was released on May, 29 of 2017, the relatability of the characters makes this novel so relevant. As someone who gets very invested in books, it took me only one day to read, as it was 368 pages. 

Overall, these books all offer very different, yet appealing qualities. Honestly, I think everyone should read these novels, as there is really not much to do during a time in which we can not live our normal lives filled with socializing and leaving the home. If I were to pick one of these four spectacular novels, I would read The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn, as it keeps the readers on their toes, and can be followed by watching the movie starring Amy Adams.