With all the news swirling around about COVID-19, I know that many of us are feeling anxious, including myself. Plus, with professionals suggesting we distance ourselves socially, loneliness will surely creep in. To help alleviate some of the anxiety and loneliness many of us are feeling, here are 10 reads that will hopefully ease your anxiety and transport you into a simpler world of happy endings.
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Crazy Rich Asians is one of my most recent reads, and I had such a fun time reading it! After watching the movie a couple years back, I always wanted to read the source material, but I never got around to it. This semester, I am taking a class about book to movie adaptations, and was required to read Crazy Rich Asians! I had such a fun time immersing myself into this high-drama, extremely capitalist world where no one is good enough unless your the richest of the rich. It's nothing like my world, and I quite enjoyed escaping to another!
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
Nothing to See Here is such a delightful read. The novel follows Lillian, a 20-something year-old whose life is off-track. When she's asked to become a caretaker for two children who combust into flames when they get agitated, she decides to go along with it. Nothing to See Here is bizarre, hilarious (I laughed out loud multiple times), and heart touching.
Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
Goodreads | IndieBound
If you would rather read a YA novel, then feast your eyes (and your food desires) on Tweet Cute, a 2020 re-imagining of rom-com classic You've Got Mail. The chemistry between the two leads, Pepper and Jack, is spot on, filled with banter, awkwardness, and a strong bond.
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
I read The Bookish Life of Nina Hill last year, and the more I think about it, the more I like it. When Nina Hill discovers she's the daughter of a wealthy man, who has just recently deceased, she's shocked, and doesn't really want to deal with the drama that comes with being part of a big family. Part romance, part family drama, and part coming of age, The Bookish Life of Nina Hill is an upbeat and charming novel that will put your mind at ease.
Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters
If you love romantic comedies but would rather read one than watch one, Would Like to Meet is the book for you! As a lover of rom-coms, I was delighted to read a book that was essentially a love letter to meet-cutes. Much like The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, Would Like to Meet is part romance and part coming of age. You'll root for the romance just as much as you root for the main character as she learns to stick up for herself in the workplace, where she is an overworked assistant to a prominent film agent.
Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphy
Gosh, I can rave about Dear Sweet Pea for ages. But I'll try and wrap it up: Dear Sweet Pea is a wonderful novel, and even though it's targeted for readers ages 8-12, it's really for everyone. The messages of body-positivity, forgiveness, friendship, and finding your voice is universal.
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
Goodreads | IndieBound
If you would rather read a graphic novel, I have two recommendations for you, including The Prince and the Dressmaker! Jen Wang's graphic novel follows a friendship between (you guessed it) a dressmaker and a prince who loves wearing dresses. Surprisingly tender and supportive, The Prince and the Dressmaker will give you hope for a better, more accepting world where all gender expressions and identities are celebrated, rather than regulated!
Check, Please by Ngozi Ukazu
If you've already read The Prince and the Dressmaker, another graphic novel that I recommend is Check Please, which follows Eric "Bitty" Bittle and his first two years at university. Eric is gay, vlogs, loves baking, and is on the hockey team. There's not much of an overarching plot, but that's what I love - the heart of Check Please is the characters, and boy is the heart strong! Bitty is such a charming lead, and you'll quickly fall in love with all the supporting cast as well.
Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Last on this list is The Unhoneymooners! Christina Lauren is a staple author for me; whatever the author-duo releases, I read. Most of us probably can't travel to Hawaii right now, but The Unhoneymooners will transport you a Hawaiian honeymoon. Olive and Ethan might not be happily married, but their siblings (seemingly) are. After a bout of food poisoning, Olive and Ethan take their place on the nonrefundable honeymoon, catching feelings in the process. The Unhoneymooners is just an all-around fun time, that will hopefully give you some laughs during this anxious time!
What are some of your favorite feel-good reads? I'll definitely need more recommends as we distance ourselves socially!
Thanks for stopping by, and I'll see you soon with another post.
Stay safe and healthy. Happy Reading!
Genni @ Ready, Set, Read!
No comments:
Post a Comment