Isolation reading recommendations

[SorchaMumsnet]

Hi all

If you're self-isolating, or indeed just spending a lot more time at home now, what are you currently/planning on reading and why?

We're creating a page with recommendations so would love your help - whether you're doing any of the following (or something completely different):

-Seeking out time-appropriate dystopian reads (ie Station Eleven mentioned on this topic already)?
-Steering clear of that and plumping for escapism/light reads?
-Deciding it's time to tackle that 600-pager you've been putting off?

All the best, and happy reading

MNHQ

I'm re-reading Fractures by Deni Atkins and The Crown by Kiera Kass.

The Unexpected Return of Josephine Fox by Claire Gradidge.

I found it via audible and liked it so much that I'm now reading it for myself. It's a Richard & Judy, which I'm usually a bit sniffy about.

I was going to mention The Cazalets too. 5 books in the series

I love the original four books and they would be perfect isolation reading.

The fifth, which EJH wrote shorly before her death and after a gap of about twenty years, is so disappointing though. Next time I reread the series I am going to pretend it doesn't exist ..

'Blue' by John Sutherland

'You will be Safe Here' by Damian Barr

'Flames' by Robbie Arnott

'Bridge of Clay' by Markus Zusak

'My name is Why' by Lemn Sissa

'The Dark Side of the Mind' by Kerry Daynes

'The Heart's Invisible Furies' by John Boyne

'Reasons to Stay Alive' by Matt Haig

'On Chapel Sands' by Laura Cumming

If you like stories that are really low peril and low drama but are strangely compelling, I'd recommend Hiromi Kawakami's books. They're kind of slice of life stories, some have magical realism but others don't.

I started with The Nakano Thrift Shop; it's basically a year or so in the lives of the staff of a thrift shop.

If you are a Pride and Prejudice fan then I would strongly recommend The Other Bennet Sister. It continues the story of Mary. It shows another side to her. An introvert in a family of extroverts; a constant disappointment to her mother who values beauty above all else; fearful of her father’s sharp tongue; with little in common with her siblings. The book describes her story in a way that is very Jane Austin but with a distinctive new voice. It is also nice and long and will not be something you read in a few days.

"Longbourn" is another pleasant read for P&P fans. It tells the story from the viewpoint of the Bennett's household servants.

I'm re-reading Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway crime series. Brilliant characterisation and filled with gentle comedy as well as being compelling crime novels. Also working my way through James Herriot's books as the ultimate comfort reads!

@Firefretted I love James Herriot's books. Perfect for much needed laugh out loud escapism.

I've just read A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, a funny and feel good read.

Now just started Washington Black by Esi Edugyan . Definitely upbeat in tone .

I’ve stocked up on books for self isolating. Great books I’ve read that I’d recommend are;

The Beekeeper of Aleppo- really put puts into perspective what we are going through (still able to access food etc)

The Giver of Stars - beautiful story of strong women trying to educate others.

Once upon a River- am intriguing tale of mystery based around the Oxford Thames

Calling Major Tom- a different, uplifting book that is quite heart warming in the end

I will post more if I think of them

Thanks for all these great ideas. I felt the need to come back and revise my opinion of All The Light We Cannot See. Having been able to immerse myself in it over a couple of days it's really, really good. I was reading it in my lunch hours and it's just not that kind of book, you need to really get into it. I'm actually sorry I've finished it now!

Gillian McAllister is brill

So many great books mentioned.
@Humphriescushion, A gentleman in Moscow was such a beautiful, generous book. Perfect, as you say, for these times. I also loved All the light we cannot see too.

Ben Aaronovitch's River of London series is brilliant. Bit of police drama, bit of magic, well paced and funny. If in doubt, give it a chance.

Based on these recommendations I'll be ordering The Salt Path: that sounds interesting. I'll save the new Natasha Pulley for my next audible credit.

My must read for a period of social isolation is The Blue Lantern by Colette.
The title refers to her writing lamp, which she covered with a sheet of the blue paper that she used for writing, and passers-by could see in the window of her flat in the Palais Royal. At the time, Colette was 75, and immobilised by arthritis. She wrote short essays about her life, and what she saw from her window, during WWII.
Unfortunately, I think it's out of print, but you can get it cheaply on Abebooks.
She writes like an angel, but so few people have read her, beyond the dreadful Claudine novels. Such a shame.

I've started rereading the Harry Potter books. I must admit I've never read the last one. It cane out the week DD was born and by the time I had enough tome to read it, I realised I really should reread the others first.

For those who loved the brilliant The Hearts Invisible Furies by John Boyne, I've just finished A Ladder to the Sky (his latest) and I loved it. Central premise is the question that all authors hate: "Where do you get your inspiration from?".

Also recently read The Child by Fiona Barton - soft psychological thriller with characters I cared about (apart from Jude)

Unfollow by Megan Phelps-Roper - the true story of how a young woman escaped a religious family cult.

Red Notice by Bill Browder - true story. He wrote it in case he ever gets poisoned/murdered by Putin. A gripping and jaw-dropping story.

The Queen of Bloody Everyting by Joanna Nadin - loved, loved, loved this book.

Just starting Fingersmith by Sarah Waters - a brick of a book that will keep me going for a few weeks I hope!

Jailbirds by Mim Skinner is available on Kindle for 99p and is fabulous, sad and frustrating at times but so important and so brilliantly written

Another one here reading Year of Wonders. The parallels with the current situation are fascinating, with people trying to keep their distance, and the rich family leaving the plague-ridden village and being hated for it.

I am currently re-reading Fever by Mary Beth Keane. It's so fitting for current times.

My most recent favourites have been

The Hearts invisible furies by John Boyne
Life after life by Kate Atkinson
The Last Day by Andrew Hunter Murray

I've never read His Dark Materials so the trilogy is coming in the post.

I also have Life After Life on the bookshelf unread, do that will do me for a while.

My colleague very kindly lent me the tenant of wildfell hall which I am going to try as I had been putting it off in case it was a bit heavy!

I'm reading so much more recently now I'm avoiding social media. The escapism is a perfect remedy for stress for me and I have fallen in love with with reading all over again. I'm reading and then listening to the same book on audible when I'm not able to physically hold a book or kindle!

People who like dystopian novels/series. The Silo books by Hugh Howey called The Wool Trilogy is very good in my opinion.