38 Books Worth Reading During A Global Pandemic

I discovered my love of reading as an adult and it’s now a major source of joy! And as someone who needs to hold a lot of things together and is working on being less of an emotional robot, I have found that books offer an opportunity for me to “safely” express emotion (meaning, an ugly cry over a plot element is way less scary for me than an ugly cry over a personal matter), and they also give me an opportunity to disappear down an escape tunnel when things are stressful; like, you know, say, during a global pandemic.

I’ve read 13 books during the pandemic and at a time when my energy and attention is all over the place, I have found myself especially grateful for the books that captivated me immediately and were hard to put down (see earlier point about stress-relief escape hatch). So I thought I would ask some smart friends if they had similar book picks—books that have captivated them during the pandemic. I present you with this list of 38 books worth reading during a global pandemic (+ a couple of bonus non-book picks) and I give you a little introduction to the wonderful people who shared their recommendations. Many of these people are authors and I have included their book links; go buy their books! Also, since we clearly are not out of the pandemic woods (+ I’m hoping to hear back from a few more folks on their book picks) I will likely add to and re-up this list.

Finally, all of the links below are for Bookshop.org. By shopping Bookshop you will support independent bookstores! Yay, independent bookstores! I’m working on pulling together a page of my all-time favorite reads at my Bookshop page if you want to dig further beyond this list. Now, on to the recommendations!

Karen Walrond

Karen Walrond is a leadership coach, author (The Beauty of Different), and photographer. She is one of my most trusted colleagues and personal friends and I hold her 100% responsible for helping me embrace my freckles!

"Becoming Better Grownups, the new book by Brad Montague (the creative mind behind Kid President) was an absolute delight. This book is the result of two years of interviewing kids from over 50 elementary schools all over America, to get their wisdom on where we grownups might miss the mark—and he throws in the wisdom of the elderly as well, for good measure. It's a wonderfully whimsical and surprisingly vulnerable read."

"I'm also in the process of re-reading The Book of Joy, a conversation between the Dalai Lama and Bishop Desmond Tutu, with Douglas Abrams acting as 'narrator.' The conversation took place when Bishop Tutu went to visit the Dalai Lama for a week at his ashram on the occasion of the Dalai Lama's 80th birthday. They share their beliefs on how to be joyful in a world that can be undeniably painful, as formed by both their faith traditions and their difficult life experiences. An inspiring read."

Roxanna Sarmiento

Roxanna Sarmiento is one of my favorite people in Massachusetts. She has a fancy business background and is the COO of the WeAllGrow Latina Network and also a wonderful writer.

"Three books with characters I can't stop thinking about: Dominicana by Angie Cruz, Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff, and the upcoming Running by Natalia Sylvester. In Dominicana, Ana is trapped in her apartment in NYC while figuring out how to live in a new world. In Fates and Furies, I could see myself in both Mathilde and Lotto, but the description of Florida boy Lotto sitting in the hot tub at his New Hampshire school in order to feel back in his body hits me right at my Miami girl in New England heart, and Mari's awakening in Running to the reality of human frailty and the importance of using your voice is extremely timely."

"At Home by Bill Bryson: I picked up this monster of a tome thinking it would be something humorous about living at home but it was so much more than that—a page turner on nothing less than the foundations of world civilization that has turned me into a know-it-all ready for whenever we can get back to Trivia Night. Bill Bryson is a magical storyteller and a detail-oriented researcher and I can't believe I couldn't put down a book about facts."

Morra Aarons-Mele

Morra Aarons-Mele is a dear friend who also is my genius colleague at Women Online and an author (Hiding In The Bathroom). She is one of the smartest, most lovely women I know and in addition to being a badass businesswomen, she raises chickens.

"This is All I Got by Lauren Sandler is an intimate and deeply moving story of a young, homeless single mother's fight with the system and search to find a home. It's a page turner—riveting and alternately moving, sad, maddening, and just so full of love and longing. It was amazing."

Nicole Feliciano

Nicole Feliciano is a former fashion executive turned Internet entrepreneur and author (Mom Boss). Nicole also notably has been carving out a voice for women in the ski industry.

"American Dirt is a stunning book about immigration. It's the story of a fearless Mexican mother who flees her home in search of safety for her son on the other side of the border. It makes the realities of our COVID isolation seem like a privilege. If modern fiction with a political POV is your thing, this book is a gorgeous read."

"The Stationery Shop brings to life the Iranian Revolution through a love story. Author, Marjam Kamali, hops back and forth between present day in the USA and 1950's Tehran as she spins a classic worn-torn lovers tale. I love the vivid food descriptions included in the book, it's a loving look at Persian cuisine as much as it is a well done historical romance. For any of us stuck in the kitchen right now, this book will provide inspiration."

LaShawn Wiltz

LaShawn Wiltz is a blogger and photographer who is genius at capturing everyday moments. One of my great pre-pandemic delights was getting to know LaShawn better by interviewing her on my podcast.

"Beach Read by Emily Henry: I was expecting a run of the mill romance, but each character had the depth that I wasn’t expecting. The perfect beach read."

"Get a Life, Chloe Brown (the Brown sisters #1) by Talia Hibbert: This was unexpectedly good which is why I included it. Another romance but cute and quirky enough to keep your interest without having to think too hard. LOL."

"Crave by Tracy Wolff: I love a good fantasy/paranormal YA romance. LOL. This reminds me a little of the Twilight series, but not as...cringe worthy you might say. LOL."

Katherine Center

Katherine Center is a human being who simply radiates joy and light. There aren’t many novelists for whom I can say I have read every single book in their catalog, but Katherine is one of them! Her new book What You Wish For comes out July 14 (and meanwhile I recommend you read Things You Save In A Fire and How To Walk Away).

"I have an Only Happy Endings rule during the pandemic. I’ve been working my way through the Julia Quinn’s historical romance series, the Bridgertons—which Shonda Rhimes is adapting it into a Netflix series. It’s about a large, charming family—and each book is the story of how different siblings find their true love. Julia Quinn is a queen of witty banter and delicious anticipation, and these books give you a simulated feeling of falling in love—so they are mood lifters, for sure. The first book in the series is The Duke and I."

"I’ve been reading a ton of non-fiction during the pandemic. Books on story craft, mostly—but I’m also halfway through a wonderful audiobook by Daniel Gilbert called Stumbling on Happiness. It’s a really fascinating look at how the brain works—and I also love his wry, nerdy sense of humor. Educational, but also fun—and who doesn’t need to brush up on happiness these days?"

"And my last recommendation isn’t exactly a book, but it does involve the reading of many subtitles! I have been binge-watching Korean dramas pretty much nonstop for the whole pandemic. And when I say “binge watching,” I mean: “Inhaling.” “Devouring.” “Swallowing whole.” I’m only watching love stories—and I’m actually checking beforehand to make sure they have happy endings because I’m not up for any heartbreak right now. I started with the divine and utterly swoony Crash Landing on You and then moved quickly through Chocolate, Oh My Ghost, Memories of the Alhambra and a bunch of others. I’m now fully obsessed with Goblin—which is absolutely phenomenal, and I wish it would never, ever end.

Thien-Kim Lam

Thien-Kim Lam is a blogger, forthcoming author (yay, romance novels!), and founder of Bawdy Bookworms, a steamy subscription service for people who love romance novels and sexy surprises.

"The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa had me laughing from beginning to end. I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers romances, especially when it delves in female entrepreneurs, immigrant families, and delicious food."

Laura Mayes

Laura Mayes of Mom 2.0 Summit is one of the very few people in my life with 100% influence. If Laura asks me to do something I always say yes! Professionally she’s an Emmy winner who is an incredible community builder and personally, she’s just a delight.

"I just finished Kathy Valentine's, All I Ever Wanted. It's a romp through the 70s Austin and the 80s LA with stops in NYC, London and around the world. Kathy Valentine is the bass player for the Go-Gos who wrote Vacation, Can't Stop the World and a bunch of other Go-Gos favorites. She has led a fascinating life but her best stories are the common ones we all share. She's a practical poet and damn good writer. Highly recommended."

"I'm in the middle of Ibram Kendi's How to Be an Antiracist, and I feel like it should be required reading for all humans. Highly recommended."

Jenny Lawson

Jenny Lawson is a lovely, kind human and talented writer (Let’s Pretend This Never Happened, Furiously Happy, and You Are Here). She also is—incredibly!—preparing to open an independent bookstore in San Antonio (Nowhere Bookshop).

"Samantha Irby's Wow, No Thank You is funny, witty, dark, honest...you cannot go wrong with any of Samantha Irby's books."

"Grady Hendrix' HORRORSTÖR is a smart supernatural horror about being locked in a haunted Ikea. Sort of. Utterly distracting."

"We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson is one of my favorite books ever so I turn to it when I'm struggling, but reading it during quarantine gave it a new feeling for me."

Julianna Miner

Julianna Miner is an adjunct professor, blogger, and author (Raising A Screen-Smart Kid) who is a wonderful unicorn blend of funny, nerdy (Venn diagrams FTW), and authentic.

"The contemporary romance trilogy by Amy Dawes (Wait With Me, One Moment Please, Next In Line) is funny, steamy and totally got me out of my own head when I needed it. Plus, as a writer, I loved that in two of the three books, the female protagonists are struggling with writer’s block and can only be productive if they work in weird places. It’s based on the author’s actual experience crushing her word count every time she wrote in the customer waiting room at her local tire/oil change place."

"Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad is a 28-day workbook designed to guide you through some of the work of confronting your implicit biases and hopefully putting you on the path to doing better. It’s forcing me to get really uncomfortable, but that’s kind of the point. Also, it’s free on Kindle Unlimited right now (a lot resources like this are currently available on KU, which is awesome because many books like these have sold out in print on Amazon & from other retailers)."

"Just Don't Be an Assh*le: A Surprisingly Necessary Guide to Being a Good Guy by Kara Kinney Cartwright absolutely kills me. It’s super funny and warm-hearted and unlike any other parenting book I’ve ever read. I’d like to make it required reading for everyone, not just teenage boys."

Casey Brown

Casey Brown and I always seem to get into trouble—or amazing things like meeting Ayanna Pressley—when we’re together! As soon as the pandemic is over, I can’t wait to meet up with Casey for crispy Brussels sprouts at Myers & Chang. Casey’s recommendation is not a book pick but totally worth mentioning because OMG SUPPORT THE FREE PRESS.

“A few weeks ago, I subscribed to daily home delivery of the newspaper (The Boston Globe!) for the first time. Each day I’ve been reading the paper cover to cover, even the sports section which is a lot about how there are no sports but we used to have sports and what a wild time this is. Reading an actual paper is keeping me informed without relying so heavily on social media. I’ve been less overwhelmed and am finding it easier to have perspective about the pandemic, seeing it from a wider lens. I’m also loving the daily crossword as a bit of slow, real life down time.”

Amanda Magee

Amanda Magee is a tremendously gifted writer as well as an advertising and design exec. She is one of the most thoughtful, lovely, humble people I know and I often find myself wishing I had more time to spend with her.

"As we set up our home office and the girls’ school spaces, I knew I wanted to do something different. I asked my 11 year old if she’d read a book with me. We devoured The Wolf Keepers. It had a strong, female protagonist and a storyline about a summer school project that tied in nicely with this time of sheltering in place. Reading with my daughter, taking turns out loud, rekindled the joy of reading for me."

Jessica Alpert

Jessica Alpert is a badass podcast producer (formerly at WBUR and she recently created her own company Rococo Punch), lovely human being, and sender of the very best greeting cards.

"Others had recommended The Dutch House by Ann Patchett to me but for some reason I put it off. What a beautiful, skillfully rendered story. So much to think about! It truly created an alternative universe for me and I couldn't wait to escape to it every night before bed."

"Why We Can't Sleep by Ada Calhoun made me FEEL SEEN. Never had I nodded so much while reading a book. Ada Calhoun does an incredible job of validating, informing, and educating--all at the same time."

"The Book of V by Anna Solomon is such a powerful story about three women during three very different time periods, dealing with issues of sex, power, and family. Starting with a reimagining of the life of Esther (yes from the bible), moving to Washington, DC in the 1970s, and the ending up in present-day Brooklyn. Yes, yes, and yes."

"Had to include Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots by Deborah Feldman. I quickly became obsessed with the Netflix miniseries and then had to consume everything about this story. Book includes a significant amount of material that is not featured in the miniseries so it is definitely worth your while! Also, if you are hungry for more quality content about orthodox/ultra orthodox Jews, check out the Israeli series 'Shtisel.'"

wendi aarons

Wendi Aarons is a humor writer, advocate, and former social media badass for the Conferences For Women. At a time when we didn’t know each other super well she welcomed me into her home and fed me tacos when my flight out of Austin got cancelled, and I will forever be grateful to her for that kind act.

"Laura Zigman’s Separation Anxiety. A funny, thoughtful story about a middle-aged woman (hello) who is feeling so unsettled by her kid growing up and her failed marriage that she starts to wear her dog in a sling. I love her writing style and smart, wise outlook. (And it’s in Boston!)"

"Girl, Woman, Other: A Novel by Bernadine Evaristo. Bernadine won the Booker Prize for this, and is the first black woman to ever win the Booker Prize. The novel has twelve central characters, all women of various cultures, ages, sexual identities, and they’re all written so well. Highly entertaining and also emotionally involving and poetic."

"Writers and Lovers by Lily King. This is kind of the 'it book' of the summer, but deservedly so. It’s the story of Casey, a young woman writer who is trying to get her life settled. Smart, funny, and relatable. I read it in one sitting. (And it’s in Boston!)"

Christine Koh

I’ll finish this post with my personal recommendations! Of the 13 books I’ve read so far during the pandemic, these are the 5 that I couldn’t put down!

"I tore through Evie Drake Starts Over in a weekend. Given my personal experience, I appreciated the lens it took on the impact of emotionally abusive relationships, and reading a book set in Maine (with one adventure to Somerville, MA) was really fun."

"Jasmine Guillory's Royal Holiday offers a fun plot and HELL YEAH for a romance novel centered around a grown woman!"

"I'm so impressed with my friend KJ Dell'Antonia for pivoting from nonfiction to novel. I loved The Chicken Sisters and weirdly, I cast Meghan Markle to play Mae while I was reading it!"

"I devoured The Testaments by Margaret Atwood...WOW. This is a must read. Readers and watchers of The Handmaid's Tale will be blown away by how she weaves elements from the original novel with threads from the Hulu series."

"I didn't realize that Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston was a gay romance when I ordered it. I loved it! Hooray for representation!"

38 books worth reading during a global pandemic