Ten books to enjoy during the lockdown
Like many of us, you’ve probably got a to-read list (as well as a to-watch list, to-listen list and, of course, the eternal to-do list), so what better time to get stuck in than during lockdown? Long days at home are the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in a great book, and the good news is that lots of local bookshops are still offering home delivery at the moment - or you can of course buy online for your Kindle, and experience instant gratification.
So, whether you want some fascinating fiction to lose yourself in, essays to make you think, or books packed with tips and advice to help you improve your lifestyle, here’s a few must-reads to help you pass the time during lockdown…
Grown Ups by Marian Keyes
Johnny Casey, his two brothers Ed and Liam, their beautiful, talented wives and all their kids spend a lot of time together. They’re a happy family. Johnny's wife, Jessie, who has the most money, insists on it. Under the surface, however, conditions are murkier. While some people clash, others like each other far too much… Everything remains unsaid until Ed’s wife, Cara, gets concussion and can't keep her thoughts to herself. In the subsequent unravelling, every one of the adults finds themselves wondering if it's time, finally, to grow up? A read for anyone who feels like they’re faking at adulthood.
£20, Penguin
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women White Feminists Forgot by Mikki Kendall
What does feminism mean to you? It means something different to everyone, but to fully understand its complexities, you need to read this book. Everyone should read this book. Hood Feminism tackles the issue of inequality between race, class, sexual orientation, disability, and what is perceived as feminism. Author Mikki Kendall poses the question; “How can feminists stand in solidarity as a movement when there is a distinct likelihood that some women are oppressing others?” An eye-opener.
£16.99, Bloomsbury
The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel
The long-awaited sequel to Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, The Mirror and the Light is the stunning conclusion to Hilary Mantel’s Man Booker Prize-winning Wolf Hall trilogy. Those who have read the previous two books will know the subject matter dazzlingly charts the rising arc of mercurial Tudor plotter, politician, and power broker, Thomas Cromwell. Now, in the third book, all of England lies at his feet, ripe for innovation and religious reform. But as fortune’s wheel turns, Cromwell’s enemies are gathering in the shadows and the question remains: how long can anyone survive under Henry’ VIIIs cruel and capricious gaze? For those new to Hilary Mantel’s work, this is trilogy worthy of your devotion.
£17.50, Fourth Estate
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
This may be Russell’s debut novel, but its already set to be one of the year’s most-talked about books. Now thirty-two, Vanessa finds herself in a storm of allegations. Her once-teacher has just been accused of sexual abuse by another former student. Vanessa is horrified by this news. She is quite certain that the relationship she had with him wasn't abuse. It was love. Forced to rethink her past, Vanessa has to redefine the great love story of her life - her great sexual awakening - as rape. Now she must deal with the possibility that she might be a victim, and one of many. Not a light read by any means, but an important one.
£12.99, Fourth Estate
This Lovely City by Louise Hare
The drinks are flowing. The music is playing. But the party can't last. With the Blitz over and London reeling from war, jazz musician Lawrie Matthews has answered the country’s call for help. Fresh off the Empire Windrush, he's taken a tiny room in south London lodgings, and has fallen in love with the girl next door. Touring Soho's music halls by night, pacing the streets as a postman by day, Lawrie has poured his heart into his new home—and it's alive with possibility. Until, one morning, he makes a terrible discovery. As the local community rallies, fingers of blame are pointed at those who had recently been welcomed with open arms. And, before long, the newest arrivals become the prime suspects in a tragedy which threatens to tear the city apart. This Lovely City is Hare’s debut, and what a sparkler it is.
£12.99, HarperCollins
The Art of Sleeping by Rob Hobson
If your goal for 2020 is to improve your sleep quality, and learn how to achieve that elusive eight hours, then this is the book for you. Nutritionist Rob Hobson blends personal experience, scientific research and expert advice, to assess your behaviour, environment and diet in a system he terms ‘BED’ (get it?!), that will help you to learn the techniques you need to sleep deeper and more restfully, allowing you to live a happier, calmer and more fulfilling lifestyle.
£9.99 HQ
Rebel Recipes by Niki Webster
Yes, being vegan has become a bit of a trend in the last few years – but there’s no denying that it does both our bodies and the planet no end of good. Whether you’re already a practising vegan, or if you’re looking to increase the plant-based content in your diet, Rebel Recipes is packed with inspiration for flavourful, exciting and impressive meals – think dishes like spicy Indian crepes, or chocolate cherry espresso pots. Veganism has never been so appealing!
£26, Bloomsbury Absolute
Naturally Stefanie by Stefanie Moir
Glasgow-based social media star and fitness enthusiast Stefanie Moir is renowned for her healthy lifestyle and vegan diet – she’s even been a previous recipient of PETA’s ‘Hottest Vegan’ accolade! Her debut book combines delicious vegan recipes that she swears by, alongside goal-based workout plans and daily rituals, helping readers to create an all-round ‘nourished lifestyle’.
£16.99, Black & White Publishing
The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary by Catherine Gray
Like many of us, you might be planning to make drastic improvements to your life in the months and years to come – a bigger house, a higher salary, a better body perhaps? Author Catherine Gray reaches into the psyche behind the ‘hedonic treadmill’ that leaves us all endlessly wanting more, and helps readers to find real, lasting joy in the here and now – in ‘the average life, beautifully lived’. A life-affirming way to kick off the new year and enjoy what you already have, we think.
£14.99, Aster
The Almanac: A Seasonal Guide to 2020 by Lia Leendertz
If you want to live your life with more awareness and presence, The Almanac is a must-have. Divided into the 12 months, this handy guide gives you all the information and inspiration you’ll need to appreciate the beauty and joy in every month of the year – including advice on the seasons, the best months to enjoy stargazing or meteor-spotting, seasonal recipes and even charts on the moon phases and tides, to help you live life with more meaning.
£10, Mitchell Beazley