A week prior to the official UK lockdown my work sent us home, and I had big ideas on reading a lot. Truth is the first couple of weeks of lockdown were scary here, with daily changes to rules and more and more people getting ill. I haven’t read any of these books, once I felt mentally better I stuck my nose into Harry Potter. It has been decades since I read those books and rereading them has been so enjoyable. There are so many differences between the books and movies with huge sections missing that make a great story. To read these books I have been using my local libraries digital access. If you have a local library membership, then it is likely the library has access to an online version too. There are a few different ones worldwide, and most run on phone apps. All I had to do was put in my membership number and pin and away I went.
If you are interested here are the books I panic bought and plan to read over the summer! I’ve realised that putting this list together all the authors are female. This wasn’t a deliberate act, but I am finding the stories more authentic then the ones I have read by men.
The Goldfinch – Donna Tartt
Recommended by a friend, this story is based in New York about a thirteen year old boy who’s circumstances result in them being left with a wealthy family friend. Determined to own a small painting that reminds him of his mother, he is drawn into an criminal underworld.
Character Breakdown – Zawe Ashton
I listened to Ashton speak on Jessie Ware’s podcast, Table Manners, and instantly had a crush. Ashton mentioned she had written a book about her experience learning characters and acting so I bought it!
Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens
This one is all over the internet as a popular read and it was on offer when I saw it. The story is about a cove haunted by the ‘marsh girl’, a local murder and being loved.
Noughts & Crosses – Malorie Blackman
I first read about this because the BCC have done an adaption and it broadcast just as lockdown happened in the UK. The first of five books that portray a world where Africa were the conquers and white people became the slaves. The series is praised for showing how subtle racism can be and arrogance towards others.
Queenie – Candice Carty-Williams
This one has been on my to read list for a long time. Queenie is based in London and has been praised as a very honest view on black living today.
The Woman Who Stole My Life – Marian Keyes
I have previously loved reading Marian Keyes short story collections but her main books hadn’t appealed. I have realised now I just wasn’t ready. After reading Grown Ups I added this one to my pile for social isolation. I have also got Watermelon on hold with the library as all Keyes fans recommend starting with this one.
